Scotland The Brand: Border Biscuits
One of the biggest Scottish brands, Border Biscuits, turned 40 this year. The plan from the beginning was simple, but effective – bake the tastiest biscuits!
Whether it’s to alleviate the stress of a busy day in the office or a treat at home, there will be plenty of takers when you crack open a packet of Border biscuits.
In 1984, John Cunningham bought a tiny factory in the small Scottish town of Lanark – his dream was to create the tastiest biscuits imaginable.
The plan was simple, prioritise the quality of the product and Borders would soon become a household name just like the other popular Scottish brands. He believed that if they were tasty enough to share with others, demand would naturally grow.
Word spread and Border launched its brand-new range of speciality biscuits on to the market in 1989. It included brand staples such as Viennese Whirls, Chocolate Crumbles and Dark Chocolate Gingers – voted the nation’s favourite dark chocolate ginger biscuit in 2015.
In fact, by 2015, the Scottish firm had produced more than 20 million delicious Dark Chocolate Gingers, using a whopping 155 tonnes of chocolate.
Over one million biscuits per day are baked at the Border’s factory. Image: Borders.
Border biscuits are in Scottish Brands hall of fame
Today, the family bakery is Scotland’s top premium biscuit brand and one of the most identifiable Scottish brands. They bake over one million biscuits per day, and with 11 flavours to choose from, plus a range of biscuit bars and minipacks for those on the go, we’re spoiled for choice.
Some newer additions include Dark Chocolate Orange, Lemon Drizzle Melts, Butterscotch Crunch, Shortbread Rings, Chocolate Cookies and Sultana Melts.
Lanark has remained home to Border biscuits and the firm believes care is a key ingredient. Every year, the company donates 10% of its profits to the local community through its charity Border Community Support, as well as 10% of its annual profits to permanent staff.
Border Community Support was established in 2007 and previous projects include sprucing up the environment, partnering with schools to promote learning and supporting town events. By February 2021, Border had donated £1 million to local groups and organisations.
Border Biscuits founder John Cunningham established the company in 1984. He died in December 2022. Image: Border.
Border Biscuits Timeline
- 1984 – John Cunningham, right, opens his factory in Lanark
- 1989 – The first official range of Border biscuits is launched.
- 1996 – The company expands its premises.
- 2013 – Global demand grows and production reaches 300,000 packets a week, making it one of the biggest Scottish brands.
- 2015 – Border Dark Chocolate Gingers top a poll of favourite biscuits.
- 2019 – The firm commits to using 90% less plastic in packaging.
- 2021 – £1 million has been donated to local causes by Border Community Support.
- 2022 – Thanks to growing popularity, the firm redesigns all of its packaging.
