Dean’s, based in Huntly, has secured a £4.9 million funding package from Bank of Scotland.
The support comes after the business reports a growth in international demand for its shortbread and biscuits, particularly in markets including Australia, China, Japan, the United States and Europe.
The investment will support increased production capacity, develop new customer relationships and manage cash flow as exports continue to rise.
The bakery was founded in 1975 by Helen Dean, who began baking shortbread in her kitchen to raise funds for the Huntly Pipe Band.
Demand quickly grew, leading the business to move from the family home to a converted grocer’s shop and eventually to a purpose-built bakery in Huntly in 1992.
The then Prince Charles officially opened the bakery in 1994, and in 2007 the company launched Scotland’s first visitor attraction dedicated to shortbread.
This year marks Dean’s 50th anniversary and the acquisition of Duncan’s of Deeside, further expanding the company’s reach in the sector.
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Bill Dean, managing director of Dean’s, said: "It's incredibly rewarding to see products that started with my mother's shortbread recipe being enjoyed by customers all over the world.
"Scotland has a fantastic reputation for food and drink, and shortbread remains one of the country's most recognisable exports, valued for its tradition and craftsmanship.
"This year has been particularly special for us, celebrating 50 years of Dean's and acquiring Duncan's of Deeside, both important milestones that strengthen our position in the market while ensuring we remain a family-owned business rooted in the values my mother established five decades ago.
"Exports are a hugely important part of our business and represent one of our biggest opportunities for future growth and the support from Bank of Scotland will help us meet that demand while continuing to invest in our business and create jobs here in Aberdeenshire."
Michael Thomson, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, said: "Dean's is a fantastic Aberdeenshire success story.
"From Helen Dean's kitchen in Huntly to exporting to customers around the world, the business has shown how a strong Scottish brand can succeed on the global stage.
"We're proud to support Dean's as it expands internationally, helping the business seize new opportunities in overseas markets while continuing to invest in its operations and people here in Scotland.
"It's that ambition, resilience and commitment to quality that have helped Dean's build a brand that resonates far beyond its home market, and we're excited to support the business in its next chapter of growth."
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