OUR HISTORY


Originally incorporated in 1959, AK Stoddart is now ranked within the top four of all Scottish beef processing companies, accounting for a very significant share of total Scottish production, and is a founder member of the Guild of Scotch Quality Meat Suppliers.


THROUGH THE YEARS

  • In 1959 the business began as a stance-holder in Edinburgh's municipal abattoir.
  • In the 1970s AK Stoddart began trading within the multiple retailer sector, focusing on carcase beef and shop delivery.
  • During the 1980s we set up a boning and packing unit supplying pre-cut beef.
  • In 1993 we opened our own state-of-the-art boning and processing plant in Broxburn. The new facility was purpose built and exceeded strictest EC and customer regulations.
  • Greater efficiencies and much improved quality facilitated a dramatic increase in throughput of cattle allowing us to expand into export markets. Pre-1996 export figures were 15% of turnover.
  • The Government ban of 1996 halted our export activities. The company then expanded dramatically within domestic markets.
  • In December 2000 we acquired our abattoir in Ayr, completing our control of the entire integrated supply chain.
  • Reacting to changing patterns in consumption in 2001 we developed the Castle Brae © brand, aimed at the five star dining market.
  • Aimed at today's modern Retail sector, we have developed our "Stoddarts of Scotland" brand.
  • Recent investments have seen us upgrade our refrigeration plants and extending our chills.
  • Our new added-value hide-processing facility opened in 2006.
  • The lifting of the Government ban in 2006 has allowed us to return to export markets.