Gareth McAnlis, Fresh Foods Development Manager at Henderson Wholesale is pictured with David Crawford, co-founder of Just Live a Little, one of the 14 local artisanal food producers to be added to Henderson’s local supplier roster as part of a long-term business strategy.

Some of Northern Ireland’s top artisan producers, including Peppup, Newtownards,

will see their homemade and handcrafted products on the shelves of EUROSPAR community supermarkets, as Henderson Wholesale adds them to their local supplier roster.

A champion of local produce, Henderson’s team sources over 75% of their fresh food from local farmers, growers and producers, and has now extended their reach to include smaller, innovative artisanal suppliers as part of a long-term business strategy.

The strategy will aim to add Northern Ireland’s ‘hidden gems’ to their wholesale business, providing suppliers an opportunity for team expansion and business growth by supplying to hundreds of stores and supermarkets across the country thanks to Henderson’s distribution network, which operates from their warehouses in Mallusk.

Celebrated foodies including Broighter Gold, Just Live a Little, Suki Tea and Finnebrogue will see their products alongside Kennedy Bacon, Ditty’s Bakery, Irish Black Butter, Orchard Smokehouse and Erne Larder.

Businesses dreamt up in local kitchens such as Hollah Preserving and Peppup Sauce will also join Clandeboye Yogurt and Cavanagh Free Range Eggs in the range which exceeds 50 products.

All of the producers are award-winning, with many gaining recognition from the covetable Great Taste Awards, and for some, this is their first major wholesaler listing.

Gareth McAnlis, Fresh Foods Development Manager at Henderson Wholesale says this not only elevates their retailer foodie credentials but helps local artisanal suppliers expand; “It’s a well-known fact that we have some of the world’s best food crafters in Northern Ireland, and it is important that wholesalers such as ourselves draw on our local roots and ensure we’re helping smaller companies succeed in a busy marketplace.

“The Fresh Team at Henderson’s meet food producers from across the country who have innovative products to put to market but are struggling with that first step. As a local wholesaler and retailer, we have the operations and logistics in place to help, and make it happen for them.”

Portaferry company, Just Live A Little will see their range of granola added to the artisanal line up. David Crawford, who founded the company with wife Jill, said; “To partner with one of the biggest wholesalers and retailers in Northern Ireland enables us to grasp an opportunity for growth.

“Hendersons has proven their commitment to local and we’re proud to be part of their local supplier roster and sit on the shelves of their local stores. Extending our stockist list is a valuable part of our business, so knowing we have the potential to reach so many stores in Northern Ireland is exciting and we’re looking forward to progressing.”

The range of 53 artisan products includes preserves, granola, free range eggs, sauces, smoked meats, bacon, cooking oil and butter, which wouldn’t typically be found at a local community retailer.

Gareth continued; “Shopping is all about choice, so instead of a shopper having to go to several places to get their everyday essentials or a unique product, we’re bringing everything under one roof. We’re continuing to listen to our shoppers and the increasing consumer demand for niche products that deliver on taste and quality.”

The range will be available in 28 EUROSPAR supermarkets across Northern Ireland initially, then introduced further throughout 2020.

The campaign will be supported with an integrated marketing roll out across Henderson’s brand platforms, and retailers will get their first taste of the range at their annual retailer conference next month.

Food companies that would like to join Henderson’s Local Artisan Supplier Programme, or find out more about the current range at EUROSPAR, can do so online.