Overview of William Alexander Baxter

Entrepreneur. Born in Fochabers, the son of a gardener to the Duke of Gordon who had opened a grocery shop in the village, Baxter began working in his father's shop at the age of just six. The reputation of his mother's jams inspired the young Baxter to purchase a plot of land from the Duke in 1914 and built a small factory at Mosstodloch outside Fochabers. This produced jam and beetroot but made its reputation when his innovative wife, Ethel, produced her Royal Game Soup. Today this venison-based soup is known around the world. With help from the Duke of Gordon, Baxter was able to promote his products to the nobility, eventually including the Royal family. Orders from the likes of Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in London, and Macy's of New York, followed.

Baxter built the foundations of a successful business and he remained President of the company until his death at the great age of 96. Today, the company employs 800 at their plant at Mosstodloch and remains family-owned.