Jamie Oliver tie-up with Reids of Caithness
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A LOCAL firm is counting the dough after securing a contract to work with one of Britain’s most famous chefs.
Reids of Caithness is to provide biscuits to Jamie Oliver for his JME range.
The company, which specialises in providing fine foods, has been working with the television chef since the beginning of the year.
Managing director Gary Reid said that the new contract is one of the company’s finest achievements to date.
“Our biscuits were brought to the attention of Jamie Oliver by some of his colleagues,” he explained.
“He said that he loved our products and wanted to enter into negotiations about supplying products for him.
“It is another proud moment for Reids of Caithness and shows our commitment to bringing this brand into the international market in a big way.”
He added: “My parents who have been involved with the business for such a long time are especially proud of the contract.”
Before entering into contract negotiations, Mr Oliver had the premises at Thurso audited to see if they could meet the needs of his company.
The firm then received recipes from the celebrity chef to create seven biscuits which he wanted to be included in his range.
Mr Reid said that they received instructions from the chef about the flavours he wanted to use in the products.
“The process was quite challenging,” he said. “But with our expertise, it was something we were more than capable of achieving.
“After the biscuits were created, they were sent to Jamie for his approval to which he gave the green light.
“We have already received huge orders with other orders also coming in. We’re ready to ship out the products and are just waiting for the packaging to arrive.”
JME aims to sell the products to the top 100 delicatessens across the United Kingdom.
If successful, it is hoped to introduce them to the USA. In addition, Mr Reid said that he is also in negotiations with selling the range in Russia and the Ukraine.
The biscuits Reids of Caithness has baked for JME were first showcased at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair at Olympia in London last month.
Mr Reid said that the feedback received from the public was very encouraging.
“These are products which Jamie Oliver will be branding under his name,” explained Mr Reid.
“In coming up with the range, he was looking for the best jam, chocolate and baking in the country.
“There are already huge orders in for these products with other orders already coming in. We are sure that the range will be very successful.”
The news of the contract coincides with word that the company’s Riverside Fish Bar, which was forced to close after a fire during the summer, is almost ready to reopen.
The building suffered extensive smoke and fire damage after a fryer caught light during a lunch service on Wednesday, July 20.
Mr Reid confirmed that the chip shop is due to open again within the next few weeks.
“These things are sent to try us,” he said. “Although it was a terrible situation we are hopefully starting to come out of the other end.
“It has been a tough few months for everyone after the fire. But in business every month is tough, even if your premises aren’t damaged by fire.
“It is something you have to give complete dedication to or you will never succeed.”
