Scottish firm is leader of venison and game pack

Venison and game processor Highland Game has propelled itself to the UK's number one position in that market with the acquisition of Rick Bestwick, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

The deal was announced this month. Highland Game sources deer free to roam the Scottish Highlands and UK forests. Its Dundee factory supplies processors such as Baxters and Cranswick Food Group, all the top retailers, butchers, restaurants and delicatessens.

The takeover took 18 months to negotiate and would "substantially increase the business", doubling turnover to about £10M, said Christian Nissen, Highland Game owner and md. Like-for-like volume sales had already grown by 250% in the first three months of 2010. Nissen refused to disclose how much the agreement was worth.

He said the deal would lead to a net increase of 50 staff and was timed for the peak production period of September to March.

The firm will continue to make the bulk of its products under the Highland Game brand, as well as exploring other opportunities, including ready meals.