Two of Scotland’s top family butchery businesses have been awarded new contracts to supply their speciality breakfast ranges to Asda’s Scottish stores.

Ayrshire-based We hae meat, and Simon Howie Foods, Perthshire, have both secured listings for a range of new products which reflect changing consumer trends and demand for ‘healthier’ and meat-free alternatives.

We hae meat, which is famous for its best-selling square steak sausage, will supply two new products under its reduced-fat range – the Skinny Slice and the Skinny Breakfast Pack. Based on its traditional recipe, the products contain up to 75% less fat and 45% fewer calories than the standard ranges.

The company, which has been a supplier to Asda since 2007 is committed to innovation and has invested significantly in new product development to bring a fresh, healthier twist to its best loved lines.

Carlyn Paton, Director of We hae meat said: “Our focus on NPD has ensured our ‘Skinny’ range reflects the ever-popular recipe used in our premium square sausage, maintaining the same high quality and flavour combination – but with a major reduction in fat and calories. We aim to offer customers a healthier option without compromising on taste.”

Also new to the breakfast market are the Simon Howie Vegan ranges which are anticipated to be worth £400,000 per year in sales.

The family run butchery business, which is based in Dunning has responded to the growing movement towards meat alternatives by developing a vegan range to complement its award-winning bacon, sausage and haggis offering.

The new options include a Veggie Square Sausage, a Veggie Breakfast Pack, and Veggie Link Sausages and are the first vegan breakfast products to be developed specifically for the supermarket shoppers by a speciality meat company.

“We’re delighted to be in a position to respond to the ever-evolving needs, tastes and expectations of our customers,” said Simon Howie. “It is also great to work in conjunction with Asda’s local buying team to bring these new ranges to supermarket shelves across Scotland.”

Heather Turnbull, Asda’s regional buying manager for Scotland added: “We remain committed to supporting speciality suppliers such as these, and to ensuring our customers have access to the full range of breakfast options – without comprising in taste, quality or price.”

The new vegan and skinny breakfast products will be available at over 30 Asda stores across Scotland.

Press release issued on behalf of Asda by Morrow Communications