Farmlay believes ‘good news story’ will continue

North-east egg producer Farmlay Eggs has hailed a successful year despite experiencing a 23% drop in profits.

The company, which supplies Morrisons and Aldi in Scotland, is run by Robert and Ethel Chapman and their son, Iain, from its base at West Cockmuir, near Strichen.

According to accounts filed with Companies House the company, under its registered name of Aberdeen and Northern Eggs Limited, posted pre-tax profits of £1.825 million for the year ended May 31 2017.

This is down from £2.380m the year before.

Turnover at the firm, which packs more than four million eggs a week, was up to £16.611m from £15.351m previously.

Robert Chapman said the family was happy with the performance of the business considering the current economic climate.

“The retail market is still very competitive. Consumption of eggs continues to rise, and eggs are now a ‘good news’ story,” he said.

“This is positive for the industry and the company. It is hoped that the strategy of keeping all aspects of rearing and production, along with distribution under the control of the company, will assist in keeping the business competitive, in the uncertainty that is Brexit.”

He said during the financial year, the planned extension of the existing grading facility at West Cockmuir was complete with new storage and packing facilities now under one roof.

Construction of a new 32,000 bird free-range unit was also due to be completed at the start of this year, and further capital investment was made in transport, logistics, and replacement equipment for the family’s arable farming operation.

Robert Chapman of Farmlay in his production plant.