Food producers in Inner Moray Firth secure HIE funding to boost jobs and innovation

Two ambitious projects led by food production businesses in the Inner Moray Firth are set to drive innovation, unlock growth and create up to 15 new jobs in the region.

Alness-based seafood wholesaler and exporter, Scot Live Shellfish is taking a major step forward with plans to develop a new state-of-the-art shellfish processing facility.

The company is investing in specialist plant and equipment designed to enhance both capacity and efficiency, reinforcing its position in a competitive global market.

The company has secured £225,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards £900,000 total project costs. Construction is already underway on land purchased by the firm at its existing site, making a significant milestone in its expansion plans with completion anticipated soon. 

Currently employing 25 people, Scot Live Shellfish expects the development to generate 10 new jobs in Alness over the next two years, supporting the local economy and strengthening the region’s seafood sector.

The HIE funding will support the installation of advanced blast freezing, packaging, and energy-efficient cooling systems. Together, these upgrades will streamline operations, lower energy consumption and carbon emissions and ensure consistently high-quality products. Meanwhile, the existing factory will be repurposed to specialise in scallop processing allowing for greater focus and productivity.

A new solar array is set to provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to future-proof the business.

Looking ahead, the company also plans to introduce further automation to support labour-intensive processes, boosting efficiency while enabling its workforce to focus on higher-value tasks.

Director at Scot Live, Gosia Kozlowska, said:

“This investment marks a major step forward for our business and for the wider seafood sector in the Highlands. By developing this new processing facility, we will be able to add greater value to our products, improve efficiency and meet growing demand from both UK and international markets.”

Meanwhile, specialist root vegetable supplier, Nessgro, based at Dalcross, near Inverness is also investing in the future, supported by £245,319 from HIE towards a £657,694 project.

Established in 2004, the company is embarking on an ambitious programme of innovation designed to strengthen its market position and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Building on two decades of experience, Nessgro is focused on enhancing both efficiency and product quality as it responds to evolving market demands.

The business has earned strong reputation for its range of speciality products including rainbow and baby carrots, which have surged in popularity in recent years.

Like many in the sector, Nessgro has faced ongoing challenges in securing ongoing seasonal labour. The company is exploring innovative, automated solutions to future-proof its operations and is investing in advanced optical grading technology combined with new software and production line improvements.

The project is expected to increase turnover, safeguard existing jobs and create five new roles in processing, ensuring the business continues to play a vital role in the local economy while strengthening the resilience of the region’s food and drink sector.

Managing director at Nessgro, Steven Jack, said:

“This investment marks the next step in advancing technology in our farming practices. We’re grateful for HIE’s support and look forward to working together in the future.”

Peter Allen, HIE development manager for Inner Moray Firth, said:

“The food and drink sector is one of our most important industries in the Highlands and Islands, and provides valuable year-round rural employment, helping to sustain communities and attract and retain talent.

“These innovative projects will strengthen both companies’ positions as major quality food suppliers and will provide valuable local employment.”