Business

Belfast-based Keenan Seafood nets nets six-figure retail deal with Tesco

Robert Shanks, commercial director Keenan Seafood, pictured with Nora Armour, store manager, Tesco Newtownbreda; Gerry Keenan, managing director Keenan Seafood; and Leanne Black, technical manager, Tesco Northern Ireland
Robert Shanks, commercial director Keenan Seafood, pictured with Nora Armour, store manager, Tesco Newtownbreda; Gerry Keenan, managing director Keenan Seafood; and Leanne Black, technical manager, Tesco Northern Ireland Robert Shanks, commercial director Keenan Seafood, pictured with Nora Armour, store manager, Tesco Newtownbreda; Gerry Keenan, managing director Keenan Seafood; and Leanne Black, technical manager, Tesco Northern Ireland

A BELFAST-based seafood supplier has signed a six-figure deal with Tesco to sell its fresh fish directly to shoppers.

The move into retail for Keenan Seafood will see the 70 year-old fish business bring some of its 250 lines to the supermarket's customers and create five new jobs in the process.

Launched in Tesco's Newtownbreda's Extra store, the strategic partnership between Tesco Northern Ireland and Keenan Seafood was welcomed by commercial manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, Stephen Magill.

"The introduction of this concession signals a renaissance among local shoppers for a fresh, daily catch, as well as a growing interest to incorporate fish more into family meals, due to its well-publicised health benefits," he said.

Managing director of Keenan Seafood, Gerry Keenan, said the company was "delighted" to welcome five new members of staff to help service the counter of the new dimension to his growing business.

"We’ve witnessed a change in fish eating habits over the years and we’re excited to get face-to-face with shoppers and help educate and guide them on their purchases," he said.

"This listing with Tesco is an important development for the business and a worthy milestone in our 70-plus years and we look forward to the success it brings."

The Keenan family started in the fish business more than 70 years ago, starting out supplying fresh locally caught fish to retail outlets and chip shops in Belfast.

Now widely recognised as one of the leading fish suppliers in Northern Ireland, Keenan Seafood was awarded four Great Taste Awards in 2014/2015 and was a recipient of a 'Belfast Business Top 50 Growth Award' in 2012.

It supplies more than 500 trade customers each day with a range of up to 250 lines of fresh and frozen seafood using its fleet of 10 temperature-controlled vans.

The company operates from a state-of-the-art factory based at Kennedy Way, Belfast, and employs more than 35 staff in total.