Byam Trotter, Trotter’s Independent Condiment, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

As you all know we are passionate about supporting and stocking small, local, and sustainable producers at Loch Leven’s Larder. It’s not been an easy time for this sector and we thought now a great time to start highlighting the producers we stock in both our Food Hall and Gift Shop.

So premiering this new feature we’d like to introduce Byam Trotter, Owner, and Director of Trotter’s Independent Condiments Ltd, based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Here’s a wee insight into Byam and his journey.

1. How did you get started?
I Finished uni back in 2009 (during a recession) and could not find a job. Mum was making chutney in the family kitchen, so I decided to take over the recipe and sell the product to the local farm shops. 12 years later and I’m still doing the same thing. 

2. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love the diversity of every day, each one bringing a new challenge. I also enjoy all the people I meet and work with, give a good variety to everyday life.

3. What did you do before you created Trotter Condiments?
I was at University studying Event Management and Business in Manchester.

4. What was is your inspiration for creating your delicious products?
The first recipe, Mostarda,  is an Italian recipe my parents discovered while on Holiday (In Italy) most of the others have come from family and friends. 

5. Future plans?
Buy and live on a Yacht!  but seriously, I’m growing the business by manufacturing for other companies which I am really enjoying. I also bought Spice Girl Curry Kits a few years ago, so I can see the future of the business being us manufacturing lots of different products for lots of different companies. 

6. Favourite ingredients?
Of all the ingredients we buy-in, either the Scotch bonnet peppers, they are very hot but in the right recipe (our Hot pepper Jelly) they have an excellent flavour. I also love Honey as it’s very versatile, Scottish, great for sweetening up a dish without adding processed sugar and it’s very healthy. I also think bees are great.

7. Favourite place to eat?
The Educated Flea in Edinburgh. It’s very very good and for what you’re getting, it’s very reasonable.

8. Favourite time of the year?
June, my birthday is on the 18th and the 21st is the longest day of the year. here in Scotland we only have about 2 hours of darkness.  

9 Have you a Top Tip?
Always tie your shoes laces. Only take on challenges you can manage. Spend more, eat less

10 Biggest challenges you have faced relating to your business?
Moving to a bigger production facility. I moved out of a 500Sq foot converted chip shop to a 2,000sq foot warehouse in 2018, this was a big risk for the business as I couldn’t really afford it at the time. but it’s paid off and then some. As Richard Branson says “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough”

Trotters Independent Condiments Ltd

Byam Trotter – Twice Baked Cheese Souffle with Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe

All ingredients are available to buy in store at Loch Leven’s Larder Food Hall but best be quick with the Wild Garlic Pesto, is sells very fast!