SYMBOL retailer Musgrave is partnering with plant-based food brand Happy Pear to roll out a range of its products over the coming weeks at Centra, SuperValu and Mace stores across Northern Ireland in a deal estimated to be worth an annual £750,000.
Established in 2004 by twin brothers Steve and Dave Flynn, Happy Pear began as a small fruit and vegetable shop in County Wicklow, quickly expanding to include a café in 2006.
Musgrave Group and the Happy Pear have enjoyed a successful close working relationship since the brothers joined the SuperValu Food Academy Programme in 2013.
SuperValu Portstewart store, which is due to unveil its new look on August 12, will be the first to stock the range, with more than 30 Happy Pear products including chilled soups, meal pots, and ready meals being made available, as well as a range of ambient cooking sauces, breakfast cereals and sweet treats.
Julie Cherry, trading director at Musgrave Northern Ireland, said: “Dave and Steve have established themselves as leaders in the plant-based food market forming a community of over half a million people who follow their lifestyle.
“With many of our customers focusing on living healthier, eating less meat and protecting the environment, there is an increasing demand for tasty plant-based convenience products, and the Happy Pear products will strengthen our offer.
“Our revitalised SuperValu store in Portstewart will be the first to stock Happy Pear products in Northern Ireland, and with our exclusive contract with the brand, we aim to roll the range out across our portfolio of stores in the coming months.”
Dave Flynn from the Happy Pear added: “We have grown an established community of those who wish to live happier lives, and we’re excited to bring our retail range of healthy plant-based convenience products to Northern Ireland through our ongoing partnership with Musgrave.
“From starting in a small fruit and veg shop, we've grown the Happy Pear with our café, a farm, a coffee roastery, an online health education courses provider and a supplier of an amazing range of plant-based products.
“Working with Musgrave gives us the scale we need to expand our community and we’re pleased to work with a like-minded partner who believes in helping people eat well, feel good and live better.”
