Pictured is Joanne Beattie, Brand Manager at Valeo Foods, and Maxine Hyde, Sales and Marketing Manager for Ballymaloe Foods, at the launch of Ballymaloe Foods at the James Street South Cookery School

Relishing the chance to explore new markets, Irish family food company Ballymaloe Foods, producer of the award winning Ballymaloe Original Relish, has launched into Northern Ireland with a local company.

Through securing a partnership with local Lisburn based company Valeo Foods as its province-wide distributor, the company has since secured supply to participating SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO & VIVOEXTRA, SUPERVALU, CENTRA & MACE, Dunnes and Independents.

Speaking on the transition into Northern Ireland, Maxine Hyde, Sales & Marketing Manager for Ballymaloe Foods, says:

“Now, more than ever, seemed the most fitting time to expand the Ballymaloe Foods range into Northern Ireland. As a family business through and through - developed and grown over three generations - we are ecstatic to be working alongside Valeo Foods in Lisburn, and look forward to showcasing our products to the Northern Irish market over the coming months.”

“In recent years, while the popularity of Ballymaloe products has grown, availability has always been an issue. But, through our new supplier partnerships, Ballymaloe Foods has the opportunity to match the supply with demand.” Maxine added.

Joanne Beattie, Brand Manager at Valeo Foods adds: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Ballymaloe Foods and looking forward to introducing this fantastic product to the NI market. With its strong heritage and track record for producing great tasting products, we have no doubt it will be a great hit with consumers.”

Ballymaloe Original Relish, has been the recipient of numerous industry awards over recent years including the McKennas’ Guides Award (2015), gold in the Great Taste Awards (2015) and numerous Georgina Campbell Awards, the longest running hospitality awards in Ireland.

Ballymaloe Foods will be introducing an initial five products from its growing range into the Northern Ireland market. The retail range includes Ballymaloe Original Relish (210g) and Ballymaloe Jalapeno Pepper Relish (195g).

Ballymaloe Foods’ offering in Northern Ireland will also include wholesale catering sizes suitable for a diverse range of cuisines; Ballymaloe Original Relish (3kg and 5kg) and Ballymaloe Jalapeno Relish (2.75kg).

Established in 1990 by Yasmin Hyde, daughter of Myrtle and Ivan Allen of Ballymaloe House, the recipe for Ballymaloe Original Relish that proudly stocks supermarket shelves throughout the Republic of Ireland has remained unchanged since the 1930s when Myrtle Allen was left with a plethora of tomatoes following husband Ivan’s struggles to sell them to merchants at local markets.

The official launch of Ballymaloe Foods took place on Friday 5th August at the James Street South Cookery School where celebrity chef and graduate of the Ballymaloe Cookery School Rachel Allen hosted a cookery masterclass.

For more information on the Ballymaloe range, visit www.ballymaloefoods.ie