Northern Irish sauce specialist launches into foodservice

Peppup, the Northern Irish manufacturer of award winning pasta sauces and ketchup for retail, is now launching into foodservice. The company, which is based at Portaferry in county Down, has developed a catering product in innovative 5kg metal pouches using its unique recipe of roasted tomatoes and peppers.

Nutritionist Luca Montorio, a native of Turin now resident in Northern Ireland, developed the pasta and ketchup sauces in 2014 and has won business in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, including Booths, and the Republic of Ireland with independent retailers, delis and family butchery businesses.

The authentic Italian-style sauce is free from gluten, fat and dairy, have no added sugar and low in calories. "The sauce is based entirely on roasted tomatoes and peppers with sultanas as a natural sweetener and a pinch of salt," Mr Montorio says.

"The sauce is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Oil isn't used which means the sauce is also free from any acidity. The recipe reflects the growing market trend towards heathier products that are low in both sugar and fat.

"This trend is now impacting on foodservice and chefs are increasingly seeking free-from ingredients.

"I decided to develop the catering product in response to inquiries from chefs who have tried and been impressed by the taste and provenance of my pasta sauces and ketchup.

"I chose the new metal pouches lined with plastic because of the convenience of this packaging format. The pouch has a shelf life of 24 months. When opened, the sauce has to be used within 10 days," he adds.

The company has also strengthened its retail position in the Republic with two major distribution deals including SoulBia, which is based near Newry in Northern Ireland, a leading marketer of artisan foods.