About Deans
Dean's Shortbread began in 1975 in Helen Dean's kitchen in the small Scottish town of Huntly, Aberdeenshire. When Helen's husband Bill, a Drum Major with the local pipe band, started sharing her delicious all-butter shortbread at events, word spread quickly about the melt-in-the-mouth texture that set her baking apart from anything else available. The demand for Helen's shortbread grew so rapidly that by 1992, the family had moved production to a purpose-built bakery on the outskirts of Huntly. In September 1994, HRH Prince Charles officially opened the new facility, recognising Dean's contribution to Scotland's food heritage. Today, Dean's is recognised as "The Leading Premium Quality Scottish Shortbread" while remaining a proudly family-run business. What makes Dean's shortbread distinctive is their commitment to time-honoured handcrafted methods. Each batch of their all-butter shortbread is slowly baked to achieve that signature light, crumbly texture that has won loyal customers across Scotland and increasingly throughout the UK. Beyond their classic shortbread fingers and rounds, the range includes the playful "Shorties" featuring their kilted mascot, assortment boxes, and savoury cheddar bites. Dean's shortbread is available at UK supermarkets including Sainsbury's and specialty food retailers, as well as hotels and B&Bs who serve individually wrapped portions. Whether as a gift showcasing the best of Scottish baking or an everyday treat with tea, Dean's delivers authentic handcrafted quality from the heart of Aberdeenshire.