Joseph Walker from Walkers Shortbread

Joseph Walker from Walkers Shortbread

Established over 110 years ago in Aberlour, Speyside, Scotland, Walkers Shortbread Ltd is still an independent family concern to this day. Renowned as purveyors of The World’s Finest Shortbread, the company is headed by the founder’s grandchildren and great grand children, who faithfully maintain the tradition of producing the finest shortbreads, biscuits, cakes, oatcakes and meringues to original recipes, using only natural ingredients, a policy that has earned Walkers a global reputation for quality and excellence.

Joseph Walker founded the company is 1898 and was joined by his two sons, James and Joseph in the 1920s. It was they who had the hardest time enabling the company to survive during two world wars, while at the same time developing a reputation for making the finest shortbread in Scotland.

The third generation, Joe, Marjorie and Jim joined the company around 1960, with Joe and Jim still being the joint Managing Directors, responsible for production and sales respectively.

Six of the fourth generation are now employed in the business – Nicky, Richard, Philippa, Jacqui, Bryony and Alastair, with Nicky and Richard positions being Production and Technical Directors.

By enthusiastically marketing a superior product with unparalleled provenance and heritage, Walkers have continued to grow organically since the 1960s, when Joe and Jim first joined the family business, increasing turnover from £40,000 to approximately £140,000,000.