First US export sales for Holmes Bakery
Food NI member Holmes Bakery in Northern Ireland has won its first business in the US for its award winning biscuits.
The bakery, which is based at Portadown in Co. Armagh, is supplying a 12-strong range of premium quality biscuits, including traditional Irish flakemeal and fruit infused shortbread, to gourmet grocer Central Market in Texas.
Gillian Castles, brand administrator of the family-owned and managed bakery, says: “Winning our first business in the US has given everyone in the company a real buzz.
“We’ve been working on this export business for some time and will be aiming to build on the breakthrough with Central Market, an award winning supermarket chain with nine outlets across Texas.
“We are confident that the quality and outstanding taste of our biscuits will lead to further export business in the US and other market,” adds Gillian.
The business in Texas was secured through the company’s distributor in Britain. It follows a listing for six lines, including traditional Northern Irish traybakes, by Ocado, the leading UK online retailer.
Central Merchant, established in Texas in 1994 and now headquartered in Dallas, specialises in a comprehensive range of gourmet food and drink. It among the most successful grocers in Texas.
Holmes Bakery sells a wide range of handcrafted traybakes and biscuits throughout Northern Ireland the UK and further afield.
The bakery, earlier in August, added to its string of UK Great Taste Awards by gaining recognition for an Oaty Biscuit Made with Real Irish Butter.
Holmes Bakery was acquired by husband and wife team Harold and Daphne Irwin in 2009. The extensive range of premium products is manufactured from a purpose-built bakery.
