A MAGHERAFELT-based family bakery is to create 47 jobs after securing a new multi-million pound contract with Marks & Spencer.
Genesis Crafty has doubled its cake business through an uplift to its existing supply deal with the leading multi-national retailer. The move will see M&S now stock the Genesis tea range, which comprises eleven new lines. These will be distributed in over 800 M&S stores throughout the UK from this month.
The impact of the new business has already seen a significant £6 million investment by Genesis in new equipment and site development over the last 12 months. The contract has also led to the creation of 47 new jobs, including 10 management positions, for which recruitment is currently underway.
Commerical director at Genesis Crafty JP Lyttle said he was delighted to be able strengthen the working relationship with M&S.
“We have worked with M&S since 2010 when we launched jam bakes and lemon bakes in their Northern Ireland stores. Local success of the products led to national distribution and since then we have produced a number of seasonal lines for them."
Managing director at Genesis Crafty Brian McErlain said he was looking to grow the "synergy" between the two companies.
"We are looking forward to further developing our partnership and to that end will be launching additional M&S ranges for Christmas with further cake lines planned in the spring. In support of this growth we are now actively recruiting 47 staff at all levels which is a welcome boost both to Genesis Crafty and to the local economy.”
Georgina Wells from M&S added:
“Our partnership with Genesis Crafty has been characterised by both quality and innovation. The company’s commitment to extensive research combined with its unique artisanal approach to production, delivers products which our customers love and we are proud to sell. We have already had some really positive feedback from customers on these latest additions to our small cake offer and are looking forward to the next two launches in December and early 2018.”
