DOWNPATRICK-based meat processor Finnebrogue Artisan has been awarded a new UK-wide contract which will see it supply a range of own label sausages to more than 350 Asda stores.
The deal, announced at the Balmoral Show, has a retail value of £2million and extends Finnebrogue’s existing national partnership with Asda from 2014, when it started supplying the entire 'Extra Special' sausage range to its UK stores.
The addition of ‘Light & Lean’ to the 16-strong Extra Special range coincides with the start of the summer season when sausages sales traditionally spike.
With almost seven million packs of Asda’s own-label premium sausages expected to sell over the summer months alone, ‘Light & Lean’ provides a healthier, gluten-free alternative to the popular barbecue staple.
Made from top quality pork sourced from high-welfare farms across Northern Ireland the ‘Light & Lean’ sausages are low in fat, high in protein and contain only 71 calories.
Paul Geary, Asda's senior meat buying manager, said: “We’re always keen to support Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector and help local food companies grow their business through Asda’s national channels.
“The Extra Special sausage range supplied by Finnebrogue has been an outstanding success since the contract was announced at Balmoral in 2014. We’re delighted our partnership continues to flourish and that we are marking the third anniversary by extending the range to include this premium, healthy option which reflects the ever changing needs of our customers.”
Over the past 12 months alone, the Extra Special range has won a number of prestigious awards including Product of the Year 2017.
Sarah Savage, Finnebrogue’s new product development manager for Asda, added: “We are proud to be one of Northern Ireland’s leading artisan food producers and have built our relationship with Asda thanks to our innovative approach, dedication to new product development and consistent quality.
“Our Extra Special sausages have been a real success story.”
