R&W Scott hopes to spread jam sales far and wide

VENERABLE jam maker R&W Scott is to expand its product line-up and grow its export sales under plans to more than double its turnover over the next three years.

The Carluke-based firm, 
established 132 years ago, has developed a new range of 
premium jams called Naturally Sweet, containing no added sugars, which are planned for launch early next year. It is seeking to emphasise its heritage to help it stand out on 
supermarket shelves.

Managing director John Easton told Scotland on Sunday: “We’re working to enhance our Scottish brand and make it an attractive export offering, as we know Scottishness travels.”

R&W Scott is part of the Real Good Food Company (RGFC), an Aim-quoted group that also owns sugar distributor Napier Brown and bakery ingredients business Renshaw. The firm, whose other products include sauces and baking ingredients, was part of the 
Renshaw division but has been operating as a standalone unit since April.

Easton said: “We recognised that we almost lost our identity over the years, although we’ve enjoyed stability under RGFC. So we presented a plan to the board that would let R&W Scott function as a Scottish business while enjoying the benefits of the wider group.”

The company, which employs 70 people, generated revenues of £11.8 million in 2011. Easton is aiming to grow that to £25m within three years.

Along with building its retail presence, the firm hopes to 
expand the amount of produce it sells into its parent group. RGFC also owns Haydens, a patisserie that supplies higher-end retailers, and dairy ingredients business Garrett.

Easton admitted that the growth plans are ambitious, but said he is confident 
that the firm can ramp up its volumes “without too many doors being closed to us”.