Mackie’s crisps snapped up by Russian supermarket

Perthshire crisps producer Mackie’s of Taypack are to be sold by a Russian supermarket chain in a further growth of its export market.

The Carse of Gowrie-made snack is to be launched in the premium Russian supermarket chain Azbuka Vkusa.

The retailer was founded in 1997 and now has more than 100 supermarkets, spread across Moscow and St Petersburg.

Mackie’s Crisps join as one of the 900 producers that Azbuka Vkusa works with from around the world.

They are taking a selection of flavours from the Mackie’s 150g core and ridge ranges into their stores.

The breakthrough is a further development in Mackie’s export sales, which sees them exporting to 17 countries spanning across Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.

James Taylor, commercial director for Mackie’s at Taypack, said: “We are constantly seeking out opportunities in new markets as well as strengthening our brand and increasing sales in our existing markets.”

The Russian savoury snacks market was valued at $2.7 billion last year and is forecast to grow 10% annually to reach $4.3bn by 2020.

Market research has identified Russian men as target customers as their consumption of snacks is less than that of Russian women.

Formed in 2009, Mackie’s at Taypack is a joint venture between Perthshire potato farmers, the Taylor family and Aberdeenshire based Mackie’s of Scotland, renowned for its ice cream.

They joined forces to create Mackie’s Potato Crisps, which are manufactured in Errol.

The product has experienced rapid growth and is listed by all major retailers in Scotland as well as abroad.