New crisps a taste sensation from Glens of Antrim Potatoes

Glens of Antrim Potatoes, a leading Northern Irish potato processor, has launched an innovative range of gluten-free sweet potato crisps.

The company, based at Cushendall in county Antrim, has introduced an initial four-strong range of crisps made from sweet potatoes which it has been importing from the US for a number of years for distribution in Ireland. The range, available in 100g bags, features:

Mature Cheddar and Sweet Onion;
Irish Whiskey;
Kickin' Chilli; and
Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar.

The crisps are all hand cooked in their skins and, as well as being gluten-free, are free from artificial colours and artificial flavours.

Michael McKillop, managing director of Glens of Antrim Potatoes, a family business that employs around 60 people in one of the most picturesque and environmentally clean regions of Northern Ireland, says the development of the crisps represents a significant diversification of the business.

"Creating a range of deliciously different crisps made sound business sense because of our longstanding experience in potato growing, processing and marketing. On my travels to the US I found that sweet potato crisps have a very rich flavour. We use the finest sweet potatoes from growers in North Carolina and hand cook them in their skins to make outstandingly tasty and crunchy crisps.

"We've worked with flavour experts to come up with different flavours such as Irish Whiskey. Feedback from initial consumer tests has been extremely positive and a number of retailers in Northern Ireland have begun stocking the crisps. We'll be focusing on marketing the new range throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. Other flavours are also being planned," he adds.

Established in 1972, Glens of Antrim Potatoes supplies a broad range of potatoes to leading retailers throughout Ireland, including Sainsbury's, Asda, Dunnes Stores, Lidl and Marks & Spencer amongst others.

The company takes pride in its environmental focus in Northern Ireland and in the markets in which it operates.