Northern Irish dessert specialist targets export growth in year ahead

A Slice of Heaven in Northern Ireland is aiming to boost export sales following a recent series of industry awards.

The company, which is based in Newtownards in county Down, has its sights set on growing business in the Republic of Ireland especially in the greater Dublin area. A Slice of Heaven, headed by managing director Heather Boyle, specialises in classic cakes, individual desserts, cheesecakes and tray bakes for restaurants, cafes and hotels.

The business, founded in 2005, gained three major awards in the recent Irish Quality Food Awards in Dublin, an achievement which has raised its profile in the foodservice sector there and throughout the Republic.

Heather Boyle, commenting on the awards, says: "Our success in the awards has led to a number of business inquiries in the Republic, a market in which we've been keen to build sales for some considerable time. The awards showcased the quality and innovation of our desserts as well as our commitment to this important market.

"The awards are renowned throughout the Industry for their rigorous and stringent judging process. Winning three awards is a magnificent result for us."

Among the three awards won by A Slice of Heaven was a new category to champion the unsung heroes within the food sector and was won by Gareth Brown, head chef at A Slice of Heaven.

The award recognised the passion, enthusiasm and drive of an industry personality.

The second award was for Slice of Heaven's Zesty Key Lime Pie as the Best Foodservice Dessert in Ireland. Expert judges debated the merits of each product using the following criteria: taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients, innovation, packaging, presentation and price point. The pie hit the spot and came out number one.

"It was a marvellous achievement for us to win such a prestigious and important award for the whole of Ireland," Heather Boyle continues.

The icing on the cake for the company came when their sister business - A Slice of Heaven Dessert Cafe located in Donaghadee, county Down, scooped the prize for Best Independent Cafe of the Year in Ireland.

Pic: A Slice of Heaven's Zesty Key Lime Pie