FDBusiness.com

Inspired by growing consumer demand for home-grown, traceable meat, an Ayrshire-based husband and wife have launched The Scottish Burger Company. Promising burger lovers locally sourced, ethically farmed Scotch beef prepared with traditional butchery techniques, Alex and Carlyn Paton hope to bring butcher shop quality to the convenience of the supermarket.

The range – which has launched in 49 Tesco Scotland stores – features contemporary flavours including chilli and caramelised onion and also draws inspiration from American culture with the inclusion of ‘sliders’ – mini burgers that are ideal for sharing or experimenting with different toppings.

In recent years, small-scale butcher shops have enjoyed a 30% uplift in sales, echoing consumer demand for locally sourced, quality meat. During this time frozen burger sales have also plunged by almost 50%.

Made in small batches, using beef sourced directly from the family’s farm and other trusted Scottish producers, The Scottish Burger Company offers consumers a fresh, lean, delicious, naturally low in fat burger.

Co-founder Carlyn Paton says: “Combining craft butchery with a ‘field to fork’ ethos, we’ve created a range that’s in response to the changing appetites of consumers who are, more so than ever before, questioning where their food comes from. Our customers can be safe in the knowledge that our burgers are 100% traceable, think of us as your local butcher but at your convenience.”

Laurent Vernet, head of marketing with Quality Meat Scotland, comments: “It is great to see innovation in our industry and inspired new business ideas such as this new product range from the Patons. The Scottish Burger Company range embraces the ethos of the Scotch Beef PGI brand and the quality assurance and welfare standards which underpin it.”

The deal is worth £500,000 and an estimated 150,000 packs will be sold within the first year. The burgers retail from £2.59 and are available in Tesco stores across Scotland.