North Highland Products enjoys strong first year of trading

North Highland Products – the operating company of the Mey Selections Brand – has achieved turnover of £4.6m in its first full year of operation.

Set up to aid farmers and food producers in Scotland’s North Highlands the initiative is supported by Prince Charles and raised £240,000 in premiums over market value for the beef and lamb goods sold during its first 12 months.

Danny Miller, chairman of North Highland Products, said: “2006 was a very good year in that we have been able to successfully develop our product range, our supply chain and, return good premiums to our members.”

There are currently 270 members in the scheme and all products originate from within a 100 mile radius of the Castle of Mey, the most northerly castle on the Scottish mainland.

Progress hasn’t been made entirely without criticism, though. Last September London butcher Billfields, which had been promoting Mey Selections in its infancy to its restaurant and hotel clients, accused North Highland Foods of selling out after large Irish food processor Dunbia was given exclusive rights to slaughter and handle carcasses.

By Chris Druce

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