The Moffat Mustard Story

(Reprinted from SPECIALITY FOOD MAGAZINE, October 2002)
Some years ago Roy Anderton-Tyers' sister-in-law came across from Sweden to work as a waitress. One of the first tasks she was asked to perform was to refill the mustard pots. She duly did this and afterwards, just as she would have done at home, she popped the spoon in her mouth. She immediately discovered her mistake. It nearly blew her head off!
Roy explains: 'I have shared her dislike for traditional English Mustard all my life. I think it's a lovely spice, but it should be used to enhance food, not overpower it'

Roy had been running a successful speciality food store in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, called Harvest Time for over twelve years. About two years ago, frustrated by the lack of subtlety of the mustards available to him and his customers, he began producing his own, experimenting with recipes until he came up with the Sweet & Mild version that has formed the base of the Mellow Moffat Mustard range.
The original varieties have recently been joined by Ginger and Onion (Roy's current personal favourite) and Earl Grey, which may sound bizarre, but is dangerously moreish.

 

Its a matter of good taste
(Reprinted from Food & Drink News, October 2003)
This story is a little different to most. For it revolves around a company that, in just three short years, has picked up eight 'Great Taste Awards' and numerous testimonials from food critics, chefs and consumers. Oh, and it has also developed a unique range of products, the like of which you may never have tasted before - such as Earl Grey Mustard, Old Fashioned Gravy salt and the wonderfully named Moffat Dollop.

Uncle Roy's is the company in question: a business formed by Roy Anderton-Tyers in response to his lifelong dislike of English Mustard.

The result is a portfolio that has taken Scotland and the north of England by storm, with leading industry professionals such as Clarissa Dickson-Wright rapidly becoming great fans. Clarissa, for instance, loves putting the Earl Grey Mustard on pork chops, while The Guardian food critic Mathew Fort, talking about the Honey & Malt Whisky Mustard claimed "I can't stop tasting it!"

The Mellow Moffat Mustard range now numbers 10 distinctive varieties: Original Sweet & Mild; Wild Scottish Garlic;Honey & Malt Whisky; Wild Cranberries; Earl Grey; Ginger & Onion, Sweet & Spicy (grainy); Hot & Chilli (grainy); Tarragon & Dill; and Hickory Smoke. Various Gift Packs and lovely mustard pots are available too, and all products are available in 29g and 1250g jars for the catering and hospitality trade.

We mustn't forget Moffat Dollop either, a relish that is perfect for chips, burgers, hot or cold meats, cheese or fish, crisps or crudites.. There's the gravy salt too, and a new product that goes under the banner of 'Moffat Magic', a delicious mushroom and mustard table sauce.

And after taking the decision to move into new premises in order to cope with the ever growing demand, Uncle Roy's is now actively seeking representation and distribution throughout the rest of the UK.

Our products are now available Worldwide in Deli's, Food Halls, Visitor Centres, Farm Shops, Motorway Services and even Zoos!!!

 

We hope you found that bit of history of interest.  In 2003 we sold the deli and moved to our new premises - which we promptly outgrew and moved again in 2004! Increasing our ranges and products to over 100 has meant that we constantly struggle for space but Uncle Roy just can't stop himself coming up with new ideas - and with 15 GREAT TASTE AWARDS for the 20 mustards and sauces - we guess he must be doing something right!!.

 

In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the importance of the provenance of the food we eat and a consequent emphasis on quality control.  Large companies have huge departments ensuring traceability, cleanliness and contamination avoidance - and there are established Standards to which they must conform and are measured. Early in 2007 Uncle Roy's Comestible Concoctions was used in a pilot project ( and actualy the smallest company ever ) to develop a Quality Assurance Scheme which could be applied to small producers.  We are proud to say that following a successfull process and consequent audit we were the first in Britain to be awarded our SALSA Certificate (Small And Local Suppier Approval) .