Northern Irish crisp producer teams up with top rugby club

Crisp producer Glens of Antrim Potatoes is aiming to score with a partnership deal with Ulster Rugby, the Pro-14 League club, to become the sole supplier of potato crisps to the club's stadium in Belfast.

The creation of the crisp range is a recent venture for the company which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year in the potato growing and packing industry. The products, including a sweet potato line, were launched following market research which identified a growing demand for thicker cut, skin-on crisps using innovative flavour combinations such as masala.

The current range of crisps, which are gluten free, are now on sale at all concessions and catering facilities at the stadium in Belfast. They are also sold throughout Northern Ireland.

Michael McKillop, managing director of Glens of Antrim, says: "As a local business we are always looking for innovative ways of developing our product ranges and adapting the humble potato to meet changing consumer needs and tastes.

"The move to crisp production is a step-change for the company and we're delighted with the success of this new venture. We're particularly proud to be working in partnership with the team from Ulster Rugby and their loyal fan-base, bringing a truly local brand and taste to all who visit this iconic stadium."

Fiona Hampton, head of sales and marketing at Ulster Rugby, adds: "We are delighted to have secured this exclusive supply partnership with Glens of Antrim.

"There is a lot of synergy between our organisations as we are both long established, home grown brands with a desire to be the best in our sectors, and to take our products onto the international stage.

"Ulster Rugby places great importance on our relationship with local companies and when you have a quality brand such as Glens of Antrim crisps - it can only be a win-win all round."