Northern Irish Cavanagh Free Range Eggs expand to meet demand

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs in Northern Ireland is expanding production to meet the growing demand for its award-winning eggs.

The company, which is based on a family farm near Newtownbutler in county Fermanagh, is gearing up to grow production by 30 percent in November.

Cavanagh, established and run by husband and wife team John and Eileen Hall, are expanding their flock to 60,000 birds across three sites near the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The company has complete control of all aspects of production, grading, packing, marketing and supply to a broad range of customers including major retailers Asda and Tesco as well as leading hotels such as the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, the Merchant and delis.

Eileen Hall, commenting on the latest expansion, says: "Our business is growing strongly and has been assisted by awards that we've won such as UK Great Taste Awards, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and, most recently, gold in the Chefs' Larder Choice in the Blas na hEireann Irish National Food Awards, the latter in successive years.

"The growth in demand for the eggs meant we had to increase production by 15 percent in July. We've decided to invest in a 30 percent expansion, which will be completed next month, because of the strength of demand, particularly from leading supermarkets here. It's immensely encouraging to see the recognition for quality, taste and provenance our eggs are receiving from consumers," she adds.

The farm and packing centre have both achieved British Lion accreditation. "We have a dedicated and fully trained team which ensures quality and tasty products," Mrs Hall continues.

The couple began egg production in 2002 and decided to develop their own brand in March 2012, setting up their own grading and packing centre on the family farm.