IRISH family food company Ballymaloe is bringing its products north of the border for the first time.
The firm - which produces the award-winning Ballymaloe Original Relish - has secured a partnership with Valeo Foods to distribute its goods to a range of convenience stores across Northern Ireland.
Ballymaloe Foods will be introducing an initial five products from its range into the Northern Ireland market.
Established in 1990 by Yasmin Hyde, daughter of Myrtle and Ivan Allen of Ballymaloe House, the recipe for Ballymaloe Original Relish has remained unchanged since the 1930s when Myrtle Allen was left with a plethora of tomatoes following husband Ivan’s struggles to sell them to merchants at local markets.
The company's sales and marketing manager Maxine Hyde said: "Now, more than ever, seemed the most fitting time to expand the Ballymaloe Foods range into Northern Ireland.
"As a family business through and through - developed and grown over three generations - we are ecstatic to be working alongside Valeo Foods, and look forward to showcasing our products to the Northern Irish market over the coming months.”
“In recent years, while the popularity of Ballymaloe products has grown, availability has always been an issue. But, through our new supplier partnerships, Ballymaloe Foods has the opportunity to match the supply with demand.”
Valeo Foods brand manager Joanne Beattie added: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Ballymaloe Foods and looking forward to introducing this fantastic product to the NI market. With its strong heritage and track record for producing great tasting products, we have no doubt it will be a great hit with consumers.”
Ballymaloe Original Relish, has been the recipient of several industry awards over recent years including the McKennas’ Guides Award (2015), gold in the Great Taste Awards (2015) and numerous Georgina Campbell Awards, the longest running hospitality awards in Ireland.
