Business

Cushendall crisp-maker Glens of Antrim bags fresh Tesco deal

Tesco's Michael Crealey (centre) with Mary McKillop (left) and Amy Stewart (right) from Glens of Antrim Crisps.
Tesco's Michael Crealey (centre) with Mary McKillop (left) and Amy Stewart (right) from Glens of Antrim Crisps. Tesco's Michael Crealey (centre) with Mary McKillop (left) and Amy Stewart (right) from Glens of Antrim Crisps.

CUSHENDALL crisp-maker Glens of Antrim has secured a new deal to supply its hand cooked potato crisps to Tesco’s 35 stores in the north.

An off-shoot of the Glens of Antrim Potatoes company, it already supplies its own-branded crisps to the independent retail and hospitality sectors in Northern Ireland.

It also produces own-label crisps for Tesco in the Republic under the supermarket’s ‘Finest’ range.

The new deal with Tesco in the north will see the Glens of Antrim branded packets stocked alongside the best-known names in the business.

Director Mary McKillop said the firm had invested £900,000 since 2015 in its crisp operation, with plans to spend another £500,000 over the next four months.

“The Northern Ireland market is highly discerning when it comes to potato crisp consumption, with product quality and taste being the two factors which differentiate one brand from another,” she said.

“To address this, we have invested heavily in new product development, consumer research and market trends to ensure our range not only stands out on shelf but delivers on the palate.

“Added to this we are a NI-based business, with strong links to our farming community and are committed to sourcing locally.”

Michael Crealey, Buying Manager for Tesco in the north, said: “We’re proud to support local companies such as Glens of Antrim which is so well stablished within NI’s agri-food sector.

“The range now available in our Northern Ireland stores is a welcome addition to our crisp and snack offering, giving our customers even greater choice, quality and value.”