Walker’s Shortbread, one of the most beloved Scottish brands, has today been awarded with The King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade 2026 category.
The award marks the fifth time Walker’s has been recognised for its export success, having previously won the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement four times, making Walker’s the most awarded food brand in this category.
The King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business honour, celebrating organisations that have demonstrated exceptional achievement. This accolade acknowledges Walker’s substantial and sustained growth in global markets, bringing a taste of Scottish tradition to nearly 100 countries worldwide.
In 2024, the company was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King for the supply of shortbread and oatcakes, continuing a legacy that included Warrants from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
For over 128 years, from its home in the heart of Speyside, Walker’s has grown from a local village bakery into one of Scotland’s most beloved international brands. This award highlights the company’s strategic success in exporting its distinctively packaged luxury bakery products, bringing a touch of “Scotland at its finest”, to a truly international and loyal customer base, cementing its position as a leading UK food exporter.
Founded by Joseph Walker in 1898 with a simple mission to bake ‘the world’s finest shortbread’, the company remains true to his original recipes. Its world-famous shortbread continues to be made with only four high-quality ingredients: flour, pure creamery butter, sugar, and salt.
Today, the business is led by the fourth generation of the Walker family and employs over 1,200 people across its six factories in the Scottish Highlands, making it a major employer in the region.
Nicky Walker, Managing Director at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “As a family-run business from the heart of the Highlands with a long-standing Scottish heritage, we are extremely proud to receive the King’s Award and this most prestigious recognition. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team to uphold the standards of quality and innovation that my family has stood for since my great-grandfather started the business.
“From our home in Speyside, we have taken the finest Scottish baking to the world. This award celebrates not only our commercial success but also our role as ambassadors for Scottish craftsmanship. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and dedicated partners around the globe who have made this possible.”
Alastair Walker, Head of International Sales at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “We are thrilled that our international success has been recognised with this prestigious award.
“It is a tremendous validation of the long-standing relationships we have built with our distribution partners across the globe. This award is a credit to their belief in our brand and to the dedication of our team who work tirelessly to share a taste of Scotland with the world.”
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The company’s iconic tartan packaging has become synonymous globally with both premium shortbread and Scotland itself, symbolising a legacy of quality and tradition that continues to resonate with customers worldwide.
This heritage is brought to life through a partnership with brand ambassador and fellow famous Scot, Andy Murray. The collaboration celebrates a shared story of dedication and international success, capturing the spirit of “a wee bit of Scotland that has come a long way.”
