One of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing food producers has bagged a deal to supply 500 Asda stores across the UK with both meat and plant-based Christmas products.
Downpatrick-based Finnebrogue Artisan didn’t reveal the value of the contract, which includes a pork stuffing as well as a vegan turkey crown and vegan butternut squash, chestnut and cranberry wreath.
The move follows the continued growth of the company’s plant-based business which has been developed in recent years to answer growing demand for vegetarian and vegan food.
Finnebrogue Artisan was founded by the late Denis Lynn in 1985, initially selling venison from the family’s deer herd but has since evolved into a major producer of sausages and other meat products for supermarkets across the UK and Ireland. Quick to identify and react to changing consumer trends, it recently launched its naked bacon, uniquely produced without using nitrates.
The latest deal for the company comes following news of the appointed of the former chief executive officer of Asda as chair of Finnebrogue Artisan. Roger Burnley took up his new post at the start of November, and although the deal comes hot on the heels of his appointment, the company’s relationship with Asda stretches back to 2014.
“It is great to grow our long-standing relationship with Asda through the development of products for this year’s Extra Special Christmas range,” he said. “We pride ourselves on innovation and we feel our Hog-Roast stuffing wreath is a real standout product, packed full of delicious flavours for shoppers to enjoy during the festive season.”
Cathy Elliot, Asda’s Buying Manager for NI Local, welcomed the deal.
“Working closely with Finnebrogue, we are proud to offer a standout centrepiece product as well as two new Vegan alternatives, so everyone in the family can enjoy an Extra Special Christmas dinner. We are confident Asda shoppers will enjoy these festive additions.”
