Walkers has made shortbread in Aberlour since 1898.
Joseph Walker opened a bakery in the Speyside village of Aberlour, Scotland, in 1898. The family business became known for Scottish shortbread, a rich biscuit traditionally made with flour, butter, and sugar. Walkers still presents itself as a Scottish family-owned food company associated with the region.
Shortbread is different from ordinary cookies because butter is central to its characteristic crumbly texture. Traditional recipes are often made without the chemical leaveners used in many cakes and biscuits. Walkers sells classic fingers, rounds, petticoat tails, and other shapes.
The company is often confused with other famous British biscuit makers, particularly McVitie’s and Tunnock’s. Those businesses have their own product histories and specialties. Walkers’ distinctive connection is its long-running production in Aberlour and its international reputation for Scottish shortbread.