Two family-run food companies have won their first retail sales outside
Northern Ireland with the help of Invest NI.
Newtownabbey-based Golden Popcorn, the province's only manufacturer of
popcorn, and Knotts Bakery in Newtownards, met their new customers when they
took part in 'meet the buyer' events organised by the enterprise agency.
Golden Popcorn was introduced to David Sands, a major independent
supermarket chain in Scotland. The chain has since ordered pre-packed
products from Golden Popcorn.
The contract is Golden Popcorn's first deal with a retailer in Great Britain
although the company already has a major customer base in Northern Ireland
supplying Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda supermarkets.
Lucy McDowell, Golden Popcorn managing director, said a key element of their
strategy to grow the business had been to develop sales outside Northern
Ireland.
Knotts Bakery were introduced to Donnybrook Fair, a gourmet food retailer in
Dublin, which now stocks a range of their cakes.
The craft bakery launched its premium quality 'pound' cakes at Donnybrook
after a presentation to the supermarket's buyers and taking part in Invest
NI 'meet the buyer' events.
Knotts's Andrew Getty said the contract was "an immensely encouraging
development for the bakery from a very prestigious and respected retailer."
"We've been seeking to increase business beyond our established markets
in Northern Ireland and have been keen to find the right retailer
particularly in the Republic."
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