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.