A Fife farm is looking to process goat for the first time as people in Scotland are increasingly interested in trying the meat.
Last year Downfield Farm in Cupar invested £360,000 into the business and since then it has launched its own product range and secured orders from Europe.
The farm and abattoir has processed around 140 tonnes of venison since opening its butchery and game handling facilities in autumn last year.
Owners Robert and Jane Prentice launched their Stagison brand in March.
Now the company is gearing up to process its second season of wild deer that will see over 70 tonnes of wild Scottish venison destined for the shelves of Sainsbury supermarkets and two tonnes shipped to Italy.
The business, which has been assisted by Business Gateway in its development, is expected to turnover around £200,000 this year.
Mrs Prentice said the company was now looking to start processing goat as part of their plans, which also include expanding their market share in England.
She said: “The new cutting room and packing facility has improved both traceability and the speed at which animals can be taken from field to fork and that has resulted in more people wanting to use our services.
“Although venison will always be our main focus, we believe there is enough demand to start processing goat as more and more people become interested in trying the meat.
“Launching our own label and securing the deal with Braehead Foods has helped us promote Scottish venison as a healthy meat that can be consumed throughout the year, not just during the autumn and winter months.
“Our next aim is to further expand our market share down south and look at the potential to increase our exports following the interest from Italy.”
Originally operating a mixed farming business that included beef, sheep and arable production, the couple began investigating more sustainable sources of income in 2012 and moved into deer farming.
They spotted a gap in the market to establish Scotland’s first purpose built venison abattoir so that deer didn’t have to travel over five hours to be slaughtered in Yorkshire.
Business Gateway Fife adviser Charles Doeg-Smith said the couple had been provided with specialist support that has given them access to funding for training, business development, branding, as well as professional help to obtain BRC accreditation.
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk