Aberdeenshire-based egg producer and packer Farmlay has been named Egg Packer of the Year at the National Egg & Poultry Awards 2026, recognising its continued investment in innovation, business growth and long-term partnerships with Scottish egg producers.
The awards ceremony took place in London, bringing together leading people and organisations from across the sector to celebrate influential leaders and innovative businesses. A total of 14 awards were presented during the event.
Farmlay, which is based at West Cockmuir near Strichen, has grown into one of Scotland’s leading egg businesses. Founded in 1946, the family-run company is now managed by third-generation farmer Iain Chapman and his wife Debbie, who succeeded Iain’s parents, Robert and Ethel Chapman, at the helm of the business.
The company now produces approximately 350 million eggs each year and packs around seven million eggs per week for retailers including Aldi, Lidl, SPAR and a range of local outlets.
Iain Chapman, Managing Director of Farmlay, said: “Winning Egg Packer of the Year is a tremendous honour, recognising the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our business.
“From our 100-strong team members and 30 producer partners to our customers, this award reflects the strength and longevity of the retained relationships we’ve built over many years and our shared commitment to producing high-quality Scottish eggs.”
Growth through producer partnerships
Farmlay works with 30 producer partners across Scotland, with the business and its supplying farms now accounting for around 1.2 million free-range hens.
The company’s producer group has expanded significantly during the past year, with new farmers joining the network and six existing producer partners increasing bird numbers to help meet market demand. Farmlay is targeting growth to 1.45 million birds by October 2026.
Chapman said the company’s approach has always centred on maintaining close, enduring relationships with the farms that supply it.
“We consider our relationship with our producers as very much a partnership, with mutual respect built up over many years of successful trading,” he said.
“Over the past year the producer group has greatly expanded. Several new farmers have joined, and six existing members have increased their bird numbers to help meet market demand.”
The Chapman family estimates that more than £650,000 is returned to the Scottish agricultural economy every week through employment, local suppliers, maintenance companies and producer payments.
Major investment in facilities and technology
Farmlay has invested more than £4 million in its packing centre during the past three years, including more than £3.5 million in 2025 alone.
A key part of that programme was the installation of a second state-of-the-art egg packer, representing an investment of £2.4 million. The new machinery is designed to increase production capacity while protecting continuity of supply for customers in the event of equipment faults or maintenance requirements.
The business has also invested in robotics and automation to strengthen efficiency, resilience and capacity across its operation.
Chapman said: “While the business has grown in output, we have also grown our team by 15%, and last year we developed and extended the existing offices, installing temperature control, with underfloor heating from biomass boilers and air conditioning to ensure that staff have a pleasant environment to work in.
“Each desk has a view from a window to the beautiful rolling landscapes of Aberdeenshire.
“Moreover, in 2025 we invested over £3.5 million in our packing centre, including £2.4 million in a second state-of-the-art egg packer, to ensure we could fulfil our contracts and would have two machines running to avoid any disruption to this vital supply chain if there are machinery breakdowns or faults.”
He added: “We’ve continued and will continue to invest in our facilities, technology and people, and we’re incredibly proud to receive this award and grateful to everyone who has contributed to our success.”
Marking 80 years in business
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The award comes as Farmlay celebrates its 80th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1946, the business has remained under Chapman family ownership, combining long-standing family values with sustained investment in people, technology and Scottish agriculture.
Farmlay’s recognition as Egg Packer of the Year reflects not only its investment in modern packing technology and capacity, but also its commitment to workforce development, producer partnerships and supply chain resilience.
As it enters its ninth decade, the business is focused on further sustainable growth, ensuring Scottish egg production remains competitive while continuing to deliver high-quality free-range eggs to retailers and consumers across the country.
