Tesco Northern Ireland is adding a fresh batch of locally made bakery products to shelves this summer, shining a spotlight on the quality of its suppliers from across the region.

The launch reflects the strength of Tesco NI’s local bakery partnerships. Over the past three years, the retailer has added a whopping 118 local products to their offer, meaning that 58% of its bakery range is now locally sourced. When it comes to bread lines, 86% of the products are supplied by bakeries in the Province.

The 22 new lines bring together breads, cakes, traybakes, pancakes, rolls and sweet treats from much-loved local bakeries including Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown, Ashers Baking Company in Newtownabbey, Bertie’s Bakery in Magherafelt, Holmes Bakery in Craigavon and Rosie’s Bakes in Banbridge.

These latest products bring a fresh new range just in time for summer, from everyday family favourites to indulgent treats.

Portadown-based Irwin’s Bakery is celebrating 30 years of partnership with Tesco NI, having supplied the retailer since its very first store opened in Northern Ireland in 1996. The fourth-generation family bakery is launching its new Fibre+ White and Wholemeal loaves, developed to help shoppers increase their fibre intake while still enjoying the softness and taste of everyday bread. Irwin’s is also bringing a zesty twist to a local favourite with its new Howell’s Lemon Joeys, available across 35 large Tesco stores across NI from June.

Ashers Baking Company was founded in Ballyclare in 1993 and is now based in Newtownabbey. Their Tesco NI range includes Canadian Sourdough Bread, Cinnamon Swirls, Chocolate Sponge Slices and Chocolate Fudge Cake. The launch taps into growing demand for craft and premium breads, with Ashers’ Canadian Sourdough made using 100% Canadian wheat.

Bertie’s Bakery in Magherafelt, a family-run business launched, is introducing new lines including Lemon Layer Cake, Crème Layer Cake, Square Crèmes, Chocolate Chip & Orange Pancakes and Lunch Box Sliders.

Holmes Bakery in Craigavon is adding further choice to Tesco NI’s local bakery range with new traybakes and sweet treats including Triple Choc Brownie, Milk Choc Rocky Road, Bakewell Flapjack and Blueberry Frangipane.

New supplier Rosie’s Bakes is launching its NutriLean Energy Pancakes range in Tesco stores across NI. Available in Salted Caramel, Raspberry & White Chocolate and Blueberry & White Choc Chip flavours, the pancakes offer a new local option to shoppers looking for a satisfying treat.

Ben McFadden, Bakery Buying Manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, said:

“Our customers are always keen to find much-loved locally sourced products in store. Our new summer bakery range will give customers even more great tasting, quality products from NI bakers. Local is at the heart of what we do at Tesco Northern Ireland. Alongside growing our range with our long-standing partners, we’re also creating opportunities for more local producers to introduce their fantastic products to our customers across the region.”

“Our relationship with Tesco NI has always been built on a shared commitment to quality, freshness and local choice,” commented Irwin’s Bakery’s Senior National Account Manager Gary Martin. “As shopper needs continue to change, we’re focused on developing products that deliver both taste and relevance. We’re delighted to continue growing this partnership and bringing new locally baked products to customers across Northern Ireland.”

Bertie’s Bakery founder Brian McErlain also highlighted that their partnership with Tesco NI goes beyond launching new products. He said:

“The support from Tesco NI has already helped us increase production, create new jobs and reach new customers across the region. We’re excited for the opportunity to bring our products to more homes across Northern Ireland.”

Ashers Baking Company commented on the company’s strong and positive relationship “built on trust, quality and collaboration”.

“We value the relationship with Tesco NI and appreciate the work and commitment from the wider team. We look forward to building on the success of our recent product launches and continuing to bring fresh, locally baked products to Tesco shoppers,” said Sales Manager Colin Donaldson.

Gillian Castles, Account Manager at Holmes Bakery, commented on how their longstanding and successful partnership with Tesco NI has played a key role in the growth and visibility of their brand.

“Through Tesco NI’s support for local producers, we have been able to bring our traditional baked goods to a wider audience across Northern Ireland while continuing to grow and develop the business,” she said.

Rosie’s Bakes, a new addition to Tesco NI’s local bakery range, was established in 1992 by husband-and-wife team William and Rosemary Cunningham, and the company is delighted to have their products available at Tesco NI.

Group Commercial Manager Lynne Murphy said: “Rosie’s Bakes is thrilled to have our NutriLean brand of Energy Pancakes stocked in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland. This is a fantastic opportunity to have our pancakes available to even more customers, and we are very excited.”

Image credit: Tesco
Image caption: (L-R) Irwin’s Bakery’s Senior National Account Manager Gary Martin, Bertie’s Bakery founder Brian McErlain, Holmes Bakery’s Account Manager Gillian Castles, Ben McFadden, Bakery Buying Manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, Ashers Baking Company’s Sales Manager Colin Donaldson, Rosie’s Bakes’ Group Commercial Manager Lynne Murphy and Sales Manager John O’Neill.