SAC Learning

"During my fourth year at SAC we had a study tour to the Netherlands where I was impressed how farmers could make a living from a small acreage through producing high value produce".

Mr Mackintosh and his family had been growing oilseed rape on the farm for more than 20 years, however never really gave much thought or time as to where this produce then went other than its purpose for vegetable oil and biofuel. Gregor then started his fourth year dissertation at SAC and saw the project as just that and explored the feasibility of establishing a business on his farm. The idea of producing Extra Virgin "cold pressed" rapeseed oil then came about. Once Gregor had started to get into the business plan and saw that it could work, he began to realise it was indeed a viable business, and something he could do himself.

"All the people I spoke to were positive about it when I explained it, but hardly anyone knew about it. By the time I had finished my dissertation, I knew it would work."

After returning to his family farm in Aberdeenshire, Gregor established a fledging business producing the cold pressed oil from the oilseed rape grown on his home farm. Mr Mackintosh felt there had been a sufficient decrease in recent years in the market requirement for ordinary vegetable oils as their hegemony has slowly been eroded by the newly developed cold pressed rape seed oil and the associated health benefits of such a natural product.

"I saw an opening in the market for this great healthy product and began working on establishing Mackintosh of Glendaveny after graduating."

Gregor then approached Business Gateway and was awarded a £5,000 grant and a low interest loan. This funding enabled 'Mackintosh of Glendaveny' to be established and for production to begin.

The company then continued to grow from strength to strength and began building up a strong local reputation before then becoming so well know for its distinct quality and uniqueness.

The supermarkets were quick to snap up the fabulous products, as Asda proposed a contract almost immediately to stock the produce in 15 of their North-East stores from Perth to Elgin, with a later extension to the rest of the UK stores to be directed in September. Mr Mackintosh then also pursued to strike deals with many farm shops and village stores to stock his product across Scotland.

Further products have been developed as infused oils are now being produced at Glendaveny with a rage of herbs, garlic, rosemary and chilli.

Gregor Mackintosh has been a true success story for SAC. The immense support and backing of which has been obtained by staff at SAC and which still continues has played a vital role in the achievement of Gregor's business.

With Mackintosh of Glendaveny set to finds itself a place in even more supermarkets and stores throughout the UK it looks evident to become a well established successful enterprise.