Early Christmas magic for Food NI’s Irish Black Butter from top UK grocer
Marks and Spencer (M&S) food halls last week began selling Irish Black Butter
sweet/savoury spread from Portrush, Co Antrim on the strategically important run-
down to the traditional festive magic.
The deal represents a major sales breakthrough with a top UK and Irish grocer for
the Food NI member company.
Irish Black Butter was formed by businessman Alastair Bell in 2017 as ‘a great new
taste of Ireland’ from Armagh Bramley apples, cider, a touch of brandy, treacle, sugar
and spices for spreading, cooking, baking or mixing.
The company, the smallest to be listed by M&S in Northern Ireland to date, has
already won a host of major awards including Great Taste, Irish Quality Food, Great
British Food, and an Irish National Food Award.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen by such a prestigious food hall, my first
multiple supermarket business,” says Alastair. “It’s a tremendous bonus, a real boost
for us as we gear up for the Christmas period. Irish Black Butter is perfect as a glaze
for meats especially ham and also as an accompaniment with cheese and crackers,”
adds Alastair.
