The factory still includes 19th century brick kilns. Photo: John Ross Jnr

J Ross Jnr scoops senior award

Scotland’s largest producer of traditional Scottish smoked salmon, John Ross Jr, has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its continual growth in international trade. 

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Founded in 1987 by current chairman Andrew Leigh, the family-owned and managed smokehouse currently exports to 32 countries worldwide and has its sights set on rapid global growth, following unprecedented demand for authentic Scottish smoked salmon produced using time-honoured techniques. Over the last six years John Ross Jr has experienced major growth in Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. It now aims to build on this momentum whilst growing its market share in Asia.

Using traditional brick kilns dating back to the 1800s and respecting time-honoured smoking techniques throughout its production process, John Ross Jr has amassed a following from many of the world’s most highly regarded chefs and hotels. It also holds the Royal Warrant, having held the Royal Appointment for Fish Merchant and Curer to Her Majesty The Queen for 29 years.

On receiving the accolade Vicky Leigh, Sales Director at John Ross Jr, commented: “This is a really proud moment for us as the Queen’s Award is the definitive recognition of success. We are really passionate about our history, heritage and our provenance, all of which are key factors in the creation of our high quality products. Our sincerest thanks go to all of our international distributors, stockists and customers across the globe for their loyal support. I would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our incredibly hardworking team, from our filleters, smokers and key operatives to our quality controllers, dispatch managers, administrators and salespeople, all of whom have worked hard to play their part in helping us achieve this honour.”

John Ross Jr will now be invited to a Royal reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty The Queen, and presented the award by one of The Queen’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant. The smokehouse will now also be able to fly The Queen’s Award flag at its smokehouse on Sinclair Road, Aberdeen, and use the Queen’s Award emblem as a ‘badge of honour’ across all of its packaging and marketing materials.