Duncan Farms picked up the Driving Sustainability award at this year's Northern Star Business Awards, and were presented the title by sponsors bp.
Duncan Farms prides itself on providing “affa fine” eggs from its free range and organic flocks around Banffshire and Moray.
The firm has launched a home-grown initiative which has reduced the carbon footprint of its traceable, sustainable eggs – and its customers are scrambling for more.
The Turriff-headquartered group harvests eggs from happy hens who enjoy enhanced environments and the company of two alpacas named Jack and Victor.
The family-owned business produces 3.8 million eggs per week, with plans to increase production by 30% over the next 12 months.
It has nurtured long-term supply partnerships with retailers Lidl, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer, primarily supplying private label ranges.
Recently it launched Woodcote Responsible Free Range Eggs with Lidl. Using a “cradle-to-customer plus waste” approach to the carbon footprint of its eggs, its analysis showed that over 80% of the eggs’ carbon footprint was attributed to the feed mix.
Duncan Farms instead adopted a field-to-fork model with sister business, A J Duncan, which farms over 7,000 acres of arable crops.
By replacing imported soy with oil seed rape grown within a 20-mile radius of laying farms and the packing centre at Fortrie, the firm has revolutionised how it feeds its hens and has reduced the carbon footprint of its Responsible Eggs by 57%.
A wind turbine powers the head office, two laying farms, as well as electric vehicle chargers for any staff who would like to have electric cars charged at work.
Packaging was also considered, choosing a 100% recyclable “pre-pack” carton that is label-free, and made of 100% recycled content.
Due to the success engendered by its environmental leadership, Duncan Farms has put in place plans to double production of responsible eggs since March 2024.
The Finalists
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Port of Aberdeen
- ATPI Energy Travel
- Cairngorm Bothies
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About the sponsor
bp is a multinational oil and gas company and one of the worlds largest companies measured by revenues and profit.