Business

Newry firm Around Noon secures new £5m Topaz deal

Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon with Howard Farquhar, the company’s chairman
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon with Howard Farquhar, the company’s chairman Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon with Howard Farquhar, the company’s chairman

AN award-winning Newry-based food-to-go manufacturer has secured a new £5 million contract as the firm bids to grow its business across the UK and Ireland.

Around Noon has announced a lucrative multi-million pound deal with Irish petroleum retail chain Topaz and the contract follows hot on the heels of the company's acquisition of London-based company Chef-in-a-Box.

The latest deal will see Around Noon supply Topaz stores with a new grab and go range of artisan food. Ireland's largest fuel and convenience brand, Topaz has 444 service stations across the island.

The major contract is part of the Around Noon's plans to expand its business in the Irish and UK markets. The company, which has clients in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and England, particularly greater London, expects to reach £20 million in turnover this year, with growth in recent years aided by the rapid expansion of the food-to-go market, which in the UK is now estimated to be worth over £16 billion.

CEO of Around Noon, Gareth Chambers said he is delighted with the new deal.

“2017 has been a very strong year for Around Noon, as we have won a number of significant contracts in the UK and Ireland, and have expanded our business with the acquisition of Chef-in-a-Box in London."

“We are delighted to be working with Topaz to launch a fresh new grab and go range of artisan food,” he said.

It has been a year to remember for Around Noon, with the company winning an unprecedented three awards at the prestigious Sammies in London. Further success

came at the recent UTV Business Eye awards, with two accolades including that of 'Company of the Year'. Around Noon was also named one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies when it secured a place within the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 in December.

Around Noon has been in business for more than 25 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under its Scribbles brand.