Alness fish processor Aquascot clocks record sales as it ramps up for Covid-19 food demand
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Alness fish processor is registering its highest ever level of sales during the coronavirus crisis.
Employee-owned Aquascot, which has been processing salmon and trout for over 30 years, has responded to a surge in demand from clients like Waitrose catering to an increasing number of people eating at home.
Designated a key worker organisation, the 190-strong company said it was aware of a responsibility to maximise efforts to produce as much fresh food as possible to support UK retail and feed families.
Sales of salmon and trout are at an historic high. Andy Wilson, head of commercial, said: "It takes hard work, but we are ready to meet the challenge and adjust accordingly.”
It declared partner safety, health and wellbeing a top priority and made changes to the site layout, "optimising" social distancing.
The firm says it offered financial security to any employee partners who had to self-isolate with symptoms and those falling in the "higher risk" category.
With restrictions on car sharing and reductions in public transport, it has teamed up with C&E Taxis to provide transport for both day and night shift workers travelling from Dingwall and Inverness.
Last month it donated fresh salmon to feed 45 people through the Covid-19 Support Group for Invergordon, Alness, Tain and Evanton and says it plans to upscale this work.
Rachel Hannah, who chair of Aquascot’s Partnership Council: “Going forward, we will donate both salmon and trout to support up to 130 vulnerable people per week and help the local community get through this crisis.”
John Housego, managing director said: “None of what Aquascot have managed to achieve would be possible without the outstanding efforts and commitment of all of the key workers on site, who continue to work tirelessly and passionately in such troubling times. We are immensely proud of all our people for their efforts and wish to thank everyone for their support and understanding.”
Aquascot employs around 190 people, known as ‘partners’ in its employee ownership structure.It has supplied employee-owned retailer Waitrose since 1993.
