Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Family ploughing £1m into food operation
FRESH produce supplier Stirfresh has signed off on a £1 million investment in its facilities after securing a new contract with supermarket group Lidl.
The company, which is based at Upper Dysart near Montrose, is upgrading its production equipment and warehousing as part of a seven-figure investment that will also see its energy efficiency improve with the introduction of new solar panels.
Details of the investment were revealed as German discounter Lidl placed a new £300,000 supply contract with the company.
The family-owned and run business will supply the supermarket group with five new products to enhance its new Oaklands Ready-to-Cook range.
All of the ingredients for the new products will be grown, processed and packed at Upper Dysart, a 550-acre farm above Lunan Bay that is operated by the Stirling family.
Owner Andrew Stirling said he was delighted at the new link-up with Lidl.
He said it came at an exciting time for the business as it looked to invest for renewed growth. Mr Stirling said: “We are a family-run business. Together with my wife Anita, children Jessica, Alexander, Hannah, and James, we hope this will be the start of a long-term relationship with Lidl for years to come.”
Lidl said the supply deal further increased its commitment to Scottish produce. The new Stirfresh products will be stocked in all 92 of its stores north of the border.
Paul McQuade, head of buying for Lidl in Scotland, said: “Stirfresh grow great quality, fresh produce on its farm in Angus. We continue to be committed to sourcing as much Scottish produce as possible.”