Simmers of Edinburgh
One variety has already been recognised as “Best Special Dietary Product” at the British Quality Food Awards.
Mark Laing, Managing Director, Simmers of Edinburgh.
The aim of the KTP between Simmers and Queen Margaret University was to create a new product range, exploiting the growing demand for wheat-free products.
Simmers of Edinburgh was founded in 1888 and manufactures biscuits and oatcakes under the Simmers and Nairn brand names. They are best known as the makers of Nairn's oatcakes.
Simmers of Edinburgh Ltd has always been very successful in taking existing products and improving them, but according to Managing Director Mark Laing, “Not particularly good at developing new lead products.” Market research however identified an opportunity to create a new product range, exploiting the growing demand for wheat-free products. It is estimated by Allergy UK that half a million people in the country are allergic to wheat and a further 15 million may be sensitive to it. As an alternative, oats have been proven to reduce cholesterol, are high in dietary fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Unfortunately, Simmers did not have the resources to undertake the necessary product development. Mark Laing and a senior colleague attended a seminar run by the East of Scotland KTP Centre, where they learned how KTP projects allow businesses facing a challenge to draw on the expertise of Universities and colleges to develop solutions.
The Results
Through the KTP, which ran from 2002 - 2004, Simmers was able to launch a range of three wheat free biscuits under the Nairn's label. Mark Laing believes the new products have a significant future. One variety has already been recognised as “Best Special Dietary Product” at the British Quality Food Awards. The range is selling well in the UK and is being launched in the United States and Canada.