SALES of locally produced food in Asda’s Northern Ireland stores grew by 8 per cent last year according to the latest figures.
In another boost for the north's agri-food industry sales across the UK-wide store network also grew by 4.1 per cent year-on-year.
Locally produced ready meals have grown by 24 per cent with companies such as Mash Direct, Morrow Foods and Cloughbane each introducing new product lines such as Irish stew and sweet potato fries.
Northern Ireland’s fast emerging craft-brewing and distilling industry has also influenced local sales with brands such as Jaw Box Gin, Tempted Cider and Belfast Ale up by 15 per cent.
Demand for sausages from Karro Foods in Cookstown and burgers from Doherty & Gray, Ballymena have also contributed to the regional growth with sales up 6 per cent compared to the previous year.
Local bread brands also remain a firm favourite with Asda customers, with over one million packets of Sunblest pancakes sold throughout 2017.
Over £300m of produce is annually sourced by Asda from more than 100 suppliers across the island of Ireland.
The strong sales figures come on the back of Asda’s renewed commitment to the local food sector, following on from the success of NI Year of Food & Drink (2016). This message was also reinforced last month at the supermarket’s National Supplier Conference where regional food was a focal point.
The growth is also an outcome of Asda’s Supplier Development Academy, a bespoke training programme which has helped local companies boost their trading potential by up to 30 per cent.
Buying manager for Asda NI, Michael McCallion said:
“2017 was another great year for our Northern Ireland supply base – both at a local and national level. We will continue to focus on the opportunities which will help our agri-food sector build their businesses with Asda by delivering the products and ranges which our customers want and trust.”
