Superfood producer Linwoods grows through innovation

Northern Ireland food producer and retailer Linwoods has increased pre-tax profits past the ?1.5 million mark. The ?32 million-turnoverbusiness is a major exporter of healthy superfoods and is aiming to increase its market share through investment in new products and organic growth. Founded in 1965, family-owned Linwoods makes a range of premium bakery, dairy and healthy super foods, the latter for international markets including the US. Based in Armagh city, county Armagh, the company also supplies freshmilk and cream, and distributes its products to more than 2,000 stores throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. For the year to 31 July 2015, John Woods (Lisglyn), which trades as Linwoods, reported turnover of ?35.9 million compared with ?32.7 million the year before. Pre-tax profit rose from ?940,089 to ?1.55 million. Linwoods' directors say the company's results and position at the year-end were "satisfactory in light of the current trading environment". "The directors are committed to long-term creation of shareholder value by increasing the company's market share through the introduction of new products and organic growth." Linwoods also increased the average size of its workforce during theyear from 283 to 314. "Retention of key staff is critical and the company has invested increasingly in employment training and development and has introduced appropriate incentive and career progression arrangements," it adds. The company has invested over ?500,000 in new technology, re-designed packaging and an extended product range for the bakery division designed to keep the family-owned business ahead in its sector. Last year it invested in 200 rooftop solar panels as part of a ?2 million development of its Armagh site. The 50kW solar PV system will create savings of ?355,000 over the next 25 years.