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Dumfries And Galloway Farm Scoops Success With New Gelato Venture


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A family-run farm based tourist destination in Castle Douglas has launched a new gelato venture, using milk from its own herd of pedigree Holstein cows to create fresh gelato, after securing support from Business Gateway.


Ernespie Farm Centre, led by the McMiken family, has been a working farm for generations but in recent years has diversified into tourism to secure its long-term future. It is now a popular destination for visitors across Dumfries and Galloway, offering a farm-to-fork restaurant, gift shop as well as indoor and outdoor play.


In April 2025, the family opened ‘The Gelato Hut’, which scoops up to 18 flavours 7 days a week, including seasonal specials and warm bubble waffles at their evening events. Specialist equipment enables the team to transform their own milk into delicious, creamy gelato, all produced on-site.

The expansion into gelato production helps to reduce food miles for visitors and secures local employment. There are also plans underway to supply their gelato to local businesses, further boosting the local economy.


The team has a real focus on sustainability, using products produced in the bakery of The Farmhouse Kitchen on-site as additions in their gelato. As well as the milk being used in the gelato, all the beef served in The Farmhouse Kitchen restaurant comes from their own cattle.


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Director David was determined to find new ways to strengthen the business and provide year-round opportunities, so approached Business Gateway. Through this, David met Business Gateway adviser Fiona Smyth, who supported him with developing business plans, innovation support, advice on funding and advice on expanding premises.


Alongside the gelato venture, Ernespie Farm has also invested in a new digital booking system, allowing visitors to book farm park entry, seasonal events and restaurant tables online, helping to increase efficiency and boost occupancy.


David McMiken, director at Ernespie Farm Centre, said:

“Diversification has been key to future-proofing our farm. Launching the gelateria has allowed us to make the most of what we produce here on the farm and offer something unique for our visitors. Business Gateway’s support with funding was invaluable - we simply couldn’t have made this level of investment without it. It’s exciting to now see our gelato being enjoyed on-site and by the wider community.”

Gail Macgregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said:

“The team at Ernespie Farm has been incredibly proactive in adapting the business and finding new opportunities for growth. The gelateria is a fantastic addition that not only strengthens the farm park offering but also creates new employment and sustainability benefits for the local area. It’s a great example of diversification done well and Business Gateway is proud to have supported the project.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.


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  • Writer: Paul Andrews - CEO Family Business United
    Paul Andrews - CEO Family Business United
  • Mar 19
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Supermarket Aldi is expanding its popular Flake Bake range after the Jamaican patties, created by London-based father and son duo Paul Williams (55) and Mike Williams (34), soared past one million.


The pair first impressed Aldi bosses on Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing, securing a life-changing contract to supply 25,000 beef patties to over 1,000 Aldi stores nationwide.


Following their success in the ‘Bakery’ episode, Flake Bake has continued to grow, earning national acclaim, and Aldi has been selling the Flake Bake Beef Patties continuously since September 2024. This marked a first for Aldi’s Next Big Thing, as Flake Bake became the first ever winner to return as a regular seasonal product rather than a one-off Specialbuy.


Now, the family run bakery is introducing an exciting new addition — the Flake Bake Chicken Patty (£0.99, 140g).


Made with tender seasoned chicken, fiery Caribbean spices and Flake Bake’s signature golden-yellow flaky pastry, the new patty is a must-try for fans of bold, authentic flavours.


Since appearing on the show, Flake Bake has achieved major milestones including securing a spot in Channel 4’s Black in Business initiative, which supports Black entrepreneurs with TV advertising and mentorship.


The business has also catered for the Jamaican High Commission UK, been named in HSBC UK’s ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch’ and won ‘Best Patty’ at the UK Caribbean Food Awards.


Mike Williams, Co-Founder of Flake Bake, said: “It has been one year since appearing on Aldi’s Next Big Thing and the journey following the episode has been phenomenal. We’re thrilled to be the first brand from the show to return with a seasonal product and we can’t wait for shoppers to try our new delicious chicken flavour.”


Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, added: “It’s incredible to see how far Mike and Paul have come since we met them on Aldi’s Next Big Thing."


"Their Flake Bake patties have been a huge success and we’re excited to expand the range with a new flavour this summer — we hope shoppers love them!”

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