FDBusiness.com

Lidl Ireland has announced a new contract worth more than €17 million with Honeyvale Foods. The new deal will see a range of premium Irish pork and bacon products supplied to more than 217 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland, by the Tipperary supplier.

Founded in 1940, Honeyvale is part of the family-owned Brett Group that started as a small agricultural merchant selling to farmers in Kilkenny and Tipperary. It has grown over the years to what is now an international supplier of premium pork and bacon. Fourth generation in the family business, brothers David and John Brett, now operate Honeyvale’s two sites in Cahir and Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Growing up in a farming family, they learned that great food comes from the land that supports it.

The partnership spanning over 15 years between Lidl Ireland and Honeyvale has grown from strength to strength. Honeyvale now supply Lidl’s 217 stores in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as all of its 900 stores in Great Britain. The strong relationship has facilitated export deals to countries including Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia and Poland.

Honeyvale have a growing range of 16 Christmas products available in Lidl Ireland stores including the Deluxe Dry Cured Half Horseshoe Ham and Premium Flavoured Deluxe Topside Ham. They also supply more than 24 Irish pork and bacon products available as part of Lidl’s core range. These include The Great Taste Award Winning favourites such as Deluxe Dry Cure Applewood Smoked Irish Streaky Bacon Rashers and Deluxe Dry Cure Beechwood Smoked Irish Bacon Medallions.

Commenting on the business deal, Claire Mulrennan, Senior Buyer, Lidl Ireland, emphasised the quality of the retailer’s Irish Pork products and how the retailer is continuing to give Irish food & drink suppliers the chance to showcase their products and grow their business through Lidl stores globally. She said: “Ireland has a portfolio of amazing producers and at Lidl we strive to find premium products that not only taste great, but that are sourced from trusted Irish producers. We are delighted to extend our deal with Honeyvale and sign this new contract. Our new seasonal range is available in stores now so Lidl shoppers can pick up quality Irish Bord Bia approved products that are also incredible value.”

Speaking about the farm to fork journey behind Honeyvale’s top quality products and the ongoing relationship with Lidl Ireland, David Brett, Managing Director of Honeyvale, outlined: “Our family are committed to bringing the best Irish ham to your dinner table. We are involved in every step of the supply chain process. We plant the seeds that produce native Irish wheat and barley. These cereals are then brought to the family mill in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, at harvest time. They are the staple ingredients in the feed used on our family pig farm in Co. Kilkenny. The pork is cured in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, ensuring a quality of craft and distinction in taste in all of our bacon products.

“We are thrilled to sign this latest deal and grow our relationship with Lidl Ireland as it has assisted hugely in the expansion of our business. To date, we have been able to place our products in the growing network of over 217 stores on the island of Ireland and reach new customers abroad, including a phenomenal reception to our product in the GB market.”

CAPTION:

Pictured (left to right): John Brett, Commerical Director of Honeyvale; Claire Mulrennan, Senior Buyer at Lidl Ireland; and David Brett, Managing Director of Honeyvale.