Scottish wholesale and retail baker Murdoch Allan has been chosen from around 400 suppliers as Asda’s Local Supplier of the Year 2006. It was awarded the title in recognition of its high-quality products, excellent customer focus and level of service at a recent Asda local sourcing conference in Leeds.

Murdoch Allan MD Paul Allan told British Baker the company has been an Asda supplier since January 2005. A range of 40 of its lines, including bread and biscuits, is listed in 20 Asda stores. The company is set to start supplying all 38 Scottish stores through Asda’s central distribution depot in September (British Baker, 14 April, pg 5).

Allan said: “We are always seeking out new products and markets, and this important award will be an excellent tool in helping us to achieve those aims.” He added that he has had enquiries about listings from other supermarkets since picking up the Asda award. And sales are booming with Somerfield, which Murdoch Allan also supplies.

Murdoch Allan has 200 employees, and is set to take on a further 15 staff in September. The company also runs seven retail outlets.