Exports to Republic boost Around Noon’s business
Grab-and-go convenience supplier developed some 200 new products to meet the specific requirements of individual customers this year
Print18 December 2015
Northern Ireland-based convenience foods supplier, Around Noon achieved a 40% growth in sales during 2015, driven by a sharp increase in business in the Republic of Ireland.
After focusing on developing business in the Republic, sales in this market now account for 50% of the company’s turnover.
Gareth Chambers, Around Noon chief executive officer, said the company was “now benefiting from a strategic decision a few years ago to invest time and other resources in a series of initiatives to expand our business in the Republic, our closest market place”. This approach has also led to initial business gains in Scotland and England, which Around Noon is keen to grow further.
“The Republic is becoming an immensely important market for us,” said Chambers. “We’ve developed good business especially with grab-and-go food retailers there which appreciate a supplier committed to quality and in the development of the type of innovative tastes that their customers are seeking in what is now a very dynamic and sophisticated industry.”
The company works alongside customers to create original products and this year alone, developed around 200 new products to meet the specific requirements of individual customers.
Established in 1989 by Sheila and Francis Chambers, Gareth’s parents, Around Noon now employs 170 people at a state-of-the-art processing plant at Newry, Co. Down. The company sources supplies for its products from other local businesses including Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown, Rich Sauces in Newtownards and Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt in Bangor.
Around Noon currently has a portfolio of around 600 products, including gourmet sandwiches, paninis, wraps, smoothies, juices, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
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