‘Hollah’ for New Business at – IFEX
TWO County Down mums who quit the corporate world after becoming parents, are reaping the benefits of setting up their own business following a desire to get back into the workforce. With a passion for food and baking, budding entrepreneurs, Paula Latuske and Trudy Hodkinsonrudy, joined forces 18 months ago to launch Hollah Preserving, after spotting a niche in the condiment market.
Despite the surge of interest in artisanal produce in recent years, the duo recognised that having an excellent product wasn’t enough – it had to be different – and flavours such as Chilli Strawberry & Prosecco preserve and Vodka & Cranberry Relish were borne!
Now, after months of perfecting their recipes and creating their branding at the Hollah HQ in Moira, Paula and Trudy, both aged 42, are ready to upscale.
Currently available in individual delis and outlets in the Province, Paula and Trudy have chosen next week’s IFEX trade expo as the best platform to introduce their Hollah range to new buyers in the food and retail sector and the ladies are set on securing at listings with national retailers.
Exhibiting at IFEX for the first time, Hollah Preserving will join another 140 companies who will be showcasing their products and services to some of the reported 5,000 visitors that are expected to attend the event.
Explaining their hopes for the business and why IFEX is an important platform for Hollah, Co-Founder, Paula Latuske, explains: “Hollah Preserving is very much a bespoke business and we have been overwhelmed by the response to our products in the independent retail trade.
“After months spent planning and developing our business, we’re confident that we’ve created a range that’s different and very special, therefore the time is right to expand our customer base and secure larger deals across the Province. IFEX only takes place every two years, and as this year’s event falls within the Year of Food and Drink in Northern Ireland, it’s the perfect timing for us to meet new buyers and make invaluable contacts over the three days.”
At the event, Hollah Preserving will be offering visitors to IFEX a taste of the company’s latest product to market – the Hollah Slammer – and the full range, including artisan jams, chutneys, relishes and sauces – will be on display at stand A3.
In the Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland, Fresh Montgomery, organisers of IFEX, have noticed a significant increase in interest pre-event, with all exhibition space sold out and visitor registration well ahead of target.
Taking place next week, from the 8-10 March at the Titanic Exhibition Centre – IFEX exhibitors include some of Northern Ireland’s biggest names in foodservice – including Brakes, Henderson Foodservice and Lynas Foods – and this year, the event welcomes the addition of the first-ever Great Taste Market at the show.
For further information on Hollah Preserving, please see http://www.hollahpreserving.com/ or via Facebook.com/Hollahpreserving.
