FOR a long-established business to find an entirely new business stream is a thing to be treasured. At Nairn’s Oatcakes that comes in the crunchy form of gluten free products.

Nairn’s first began producing gluten free versions of its popular oatcakes, and it is fair to say that the Edinburgh business, which was once part of the United Biscuits empire, has put its faith in the long-term prospects of the sector, with the investment in its new gluten free factory in Newtongrange coming in at £6.5 million.

This has allowed the company to expand production, and launch new product ranges – all of which come at a time when finding growth can be difficult in a grocery retail environment beset with competition and food inflation challenges.

The loss of a number of jobs with the move to the new plant is regrettable, but has become a common occurrence when new technology is used in manufacturing processes.

And what this technology allows is for product to come off the line in less time, accelerating the company’s growth. Managing director Martyn Gray Gray highlighted that as this growth comes, job opportunities will arise with it.

Gluten free products currently represent around one-third of the company’s sales, bringing in almost £9m in sales.

And with Mr Gray saying that the group’s export strategy is pinned to the gluten free range, that is only set to grow as the company pushes into international markets.

It is heartening to see the investment immediately begin to pay off for a Scottish firm whose products are familiar to millions of consumers.