A BELFAST company has struck a deal to have its fruit and vegetable crisps stocked by Tesco Ireland.
Food Stories, founded by businessman Michael Heaslip in his parents' spare bedroom five years ago, will see his green bean & sugar snap pea, banana, and apple crisps sold in Tesco stores across the Republic.
The deal is expected to see 100,000 bags of Pinkfinch snacks sold in the Republic every year.
Mr Heaslip said he had tried to create a healthy snack which could contribute to customers' 'five-a-day'.
The snacks contain fruit and vegetables which have been vacuum-crisped.
"We developed a unique cooking process that maintains the taste qualities of the fruits and vegetables," he said.
"This means, for example, they are a more appealing snack for children. Mums that couldn’t convince their children to eat fruit and vegetables are sending us thank you messages on social media.
"They are also based on real fruit, are gluten-free and high in fibre."
He was inspired by a packet of jack fruit crisps a friend had bought in an Asian supermarket.
"That is actually where the name Pinkfinch comes from - it is a an Asian bird that sources the best fruit to eat," he said.
He added: "The business with Tesco Ireland and listing in 118 stores marks a significant chapter of growth in our business."
"Tesco Ireland were the first major multiple to list and we are determined to grow the business with them and make the listing a success," he said.
Mr Heaslip said the crisps will also be stocked in hundreds of supermarkets in Belgium and Germany and in 334 Sainsbury's stores.
Commercial director at Tesco Ireland, Joe Manning, said: "We’re thrilled to bring the award winning Pinkfinch range of fruit crisps to our Irish customers, across our stores and online."
