Asda has reaffirmed its commitment to grow and develop its relationship with the local food and drink industry, having held a number of meetings with potential new suppliers from the Co. Armagh area in advance of its new store opening in Portadown on 19th November.

At its ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on Thursday 8th November, members of the Asda local sourcing team held face-to face meetings with six local businesses to further the supermarket’s search for more local lines to satisfy growing customer demand.

Currently Asda NI works with around 100 individual suppliers from the island of Ireland, including over 30 businesses from the Co. Armagh area.

David Quigg, Local Buyer for Northern Ireland and Scotland said, “Co. Armagh has already proved a key region for our supply base, with local companies including Irwin’s Bakery, Tayto, Avondale Foods, Gilfresh Produce, Linwoods and William Sprott Ltd. all having forged strong links with Asda since we arrived in 2005.”

“In our NI stores approximately £1 in every £5 that the customer spends is on products sourced from the island of Ireland. Through our Asda Portadown ‘Meet the Buyer’ event and other outreach activity, we are now looking to grow this representation.”

David continued, “In particular, we are interested in meeting smaller operators who may not have the capacity to supply all of our stores here, as Asda can facilitate those who may wish to start off supplying just a small group or even one store. The event was a great way to further our ambitions in this area and we were very encouraged by the drive, professionalism and high quality products showcased at this recent event.”

Earlier this year, Asda celebrated the completion of its inaugural Asda Supplier Development Academy – an intense four-month programme with eleven key local aimed at boosting the suppliers’ potential, resulting in a predicted £3million growth in their sales over the next 18 months.

(Pictured with David Quigg and Susanna Lloyd from Asda’s local buying team is Catherine McAlynn from Mackle Snacks (R))