Nakay Bakey secured a nationwide listing in Scotmid’s Co‑op stores after winning the retailer’s Scottish Favourites competition, positioning the Fife‑based free‑from brand for broader UK expansion.
Retail win and distribution plan
The Glenrothes firm will see its allergen‑free granola range stocked across Scotmid’s Scottish estate. Distribution will be handled by wholesaler J.W. Filshill, which will move the products from the manufacturing site to the retailer’s shelves.
Founder Megan Murrie said the listing marks “a huge milestone” and highlighted the personal journey that led her from kitchen experiments to supermarket aisles. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that started in my kitchen now on supermarket shelves,” she told the press.
Financing and growth strategy
To support the new retail contracts, Nakay Bakey obtained a £100,000 invoice finance facility from the Bank of Scotland. The funding is earmarked for stock investment, expanding production capacity, and managing payment terms linked to larger orders.
Bank of Scotland relationship manager Steven Anderson noted that Murrie “has built an impressive business by turning personal experience into a product range that meets growing consumer demand.”
They also plan to increase the workforce by the end of 2026 as production ramps up. While exact hiring numbers were not disclosed, the move reflects confidence in sustained demand for free‑from foods.
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Demand for allergen‑free, vegan‑friendly options is rising.
In a broader sense, the expansion illustrates the growing market appetite for products that eliminate the 14 major allergens and contain no added sugar. Nakay Bakey’s granola aligns with health‑focused trends that have accelerated in the UK over recent years. Future steps could include diversifying beyond granola, possibly entering snack bars or breakfast cereals.
Awards and future ambitions
Since rebranding in 2024, the firm has collected several accolades: Free From Product of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, Health & Wellbeing Start‑Up of the Year at the Scotland Start‑Up Awards, and a Great Taste Award for its Mixed Berry Granola. It also holds SALSA food safety accreditation and is working toward B Corp certification by the end of 2027.
The company aims to explore export opportunities and broaden its product portfolio across the United Kingdom. The combination of retail presence, financing, and recognition gives the business a solid platform for scaling.
While the current plan focuses on granola, the ambition to move into new categories suggests a longer‑term vision that may reshape the supply chain and marketing approach. If the brand can sustain production growth while maintaining its allergen‑free standards, it could become a notable player in the niche free‑from segment.
