A WEST of Scotland ice-cream maker has scooped a lucrative contract to supply more than 270 Co-op food stores across the country.

Lanarkshire based Equi’s Ice Cream, which opened its first café in Hamilton in 1922 and will mark its centenary in a few years, will supply two if its flavours to the retailer.

The family-owned firm will supply its Double Cream Vanilla and Isle of Skye Sea Salt & Caramel Ice Creams, which use locally sourced ingredients, including milk and cream from its home town.

It estimates that sales could exceed more than 70,000 units in the first 12 months.

Chris Law, Head of Sales and Marketing at Equi’s Ice Cream, said: “We are proud of our Scottish roots, with the centenary of our first ice cream parlour opening in Hamilton just a few years away.

“We are delighted to work with the Co-op, operating in local communities across Scotland, this is our largest such contract. It not only builds brand awareness and reach, but grows retail ice cream sales of our premium, special occasion, product.”

Simon Dryell, head of local sourcing at the Co-op, said: “As a community retailer, the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities, exploring new ways to showcase, celebrate and support great quality locally produced food and drink.”