Business

Co Down food manufacturer Finnebrogue secures meaty new Asda deal

John Cowen, Finnebrogue’s Asda account manager joins Emma Swan, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local to launch the new range of Extra Special frozen sausages.
John Cowen, Finnebrogue’s Asda account manager joins Emma Swan, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local to launch the new range of Extra Special frozen sausages. John Cowen, Finnebrogue’s Asda account manager joins Emma Swan, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local to launch the new range of Extra Special frozen sausages.

A CO Down artisan food manufacturer has secured a new contract with Asda to supply sausages to stores across the UK.

Downpatrick-based Finnebrogue Artisan has confirmed it will produce three new frozen sausage lines for the retailer’s Extra Special range.

The new premium sausages; Pork, Cumberland and Red Onion, which are also gluten free, are exclusive to Asda and will be available in over 330 UK stores.

The latest deal builds upon Asda and Finnebrogue Artisan’s existing relationship, which has seen the family business supply Extra Special sausages to Asda since 2014 – as well as producing a range of accompaniments including cocktail sausages, stuffing and the ‘Ultimate Pig in Blanket’ for Christmas 2018.

John Cowen, Finnebrogue's account manager for Asda said they are thrilled to build on its existing relationship with the supermarket chain.

"It really is a milestone for the business, as it’s the first time we have produced our award-winning range of sausages in a convenient frozen format," he said.

“We pride ourselves on innovation and we’re confident our team of experts have developed three new varieties Asda customers will love, from traditional pork to Cumberland and caramelised red onion – something for everyone – and not just during BBQ season, but all year round.”

Emma Swan, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local added:

“At Asda we work alongside our suppliers to create innovative, affordable, delicious and high-quality products - and our work with Finnebrogue on the Extra Special frozen range is no exception. Working closely with the team at Finnebrogue we’re very proud to be the first retailer to offer a premium range of frozen sausages – and with our summer weather set to remain unpredictable, it’s come at the perfect time.”

Finnebrogue is the UK’s leading top-tier sausage manufacturer and also produces venison, wagyu, bacon and ham products

Just last month the parent company of Finnebrogue revealed a major uplift in sales, profit and employee numbers.

Lynn’s Country Foods, set up in the late 1980s by Denis Lynn, grew sales by 28 per cent to just shy of £78 million in the year to the end of September (up from £61.1 million), according to accounts filed at Companies House.

Gross profit soared to £20.5 million, while profit after tax came in at £4,480,422 against £3,228,138 the previous year.

The average number of employees at the company also grew from 324 to 444, pushing up the wages bill from £8.7m to £11.3m.