One of Scotland’s most recognisable family baking businesses is strengthening its global presence as international demand for premium Scottish treats continues to rise.
Dean’s, the Huntly-based producer of shortbread, biscuits and savoury cheese bites, is experiencing increasing demand across key export markets including Australia, China, Japan, the United States and Europe. The growth reflects a wider consumer shift towards high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes and authentic provenance.
Founded in 1975 by Helen Dean, the family-owned company has spent five decades building a reputation for exceptional Scottish baking from its base on the edge of the Speyside whisky trail. Today, its products are enjoyed worldwide, bringing a taste of Aberdeenshire to international audiences.
To support its next phase of growth, Dean’s has secured a £4.9 million funding package from Bank of Scotland. The deal includes trade finance solutions and an invoice finance facility, designed to help the business expand production capacity, strengthen customer relationships and manage cash flow as exports increase.
The company’s success stems from Helen Dean’s original shortbread recipe, first created in her kitchen as part of a fundraising effort for the local Huntly Pipe Band. What began as a community initiative quickly evolved into a thriving business, with demand soon outgrowing the family home. Operations moved first to a converted grocer’s shop, before relocating to a purpose-built bakery in Huntly in 1992.
Over the years, Dean’s has developed into one of Scotland’s best-known food brands. The bakery was officially opened by the then Prince Charles in 1994, and in 2007 the company launched Scotland’s first visitor attraction dedicated to shortbread. Most recently, it expanded its facilities to 80,000 sq ft in 2025 to accommodate continued growth.
Earlier this year marked a milestone as Dean’s celebrated its 50th anniversary and acquired fellow north-east bakery Duncan’s of Deeside, further strengthening its production capabilities and market reach.
Bill Dean, managing director of Dean’s, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see products that started with my mother’s shortbread recipe being enjoyed by customers all over the world. Scotland has a fantastic reputation for food and drink, and shortbread remains one of the country’s most recognisable exports, valued for its tradition and craftsmanship.
“This year has been particularly special for us, celebrating 50 years of Dean’s and acquiring Duncan’s of Deeside, both important milestones that strengthen our position in the market while ensuring we remain a family-owned business rooted in the values my mother established five decades ago.
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“Exports are a hugely important part of our business and represent one of our biggest opportunities for future growth, and the support from Bank of Scotland will help us meet that demand while continuing to invest in our business and create jobs here in Aberdeenshire.”
Michael Thomson, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, added: “Dean’s is a fantastic Aberdeenshire success story. From Helen Dean’s kitchen in Huntly to exporting to customers around the world, the business has shown how a strong Scottish brand can succeed on the global stage.
“We’re proud to support Dean’s as it expands internationally, helping the business seize new opportunities in overseas markets while continuing to invest in its operations and people here in Scotland. It’s that ambition, resilience and commitment to quality that have helped Dean’s build a brand that resonates far beyond its home market, and we’re excited to support the business in its next chapter of growth.”
