Northern Irish Caribbean pickle producer aims to expand business

Northern Irish food entrepreneur Carolyn Stewart is aiming to expand her Totally Hot artisan business especially in the Republic of Ireland. The small company, which launched a range of innovative Caribbean pickles last year, is seeking a distributor in response to a rapidly growing demand for the unique products.

"I've been marketing the products myself over the past six months and demand has grown to such an extent that I have to look for a distributor to ensure continuing success," says Carolyn, among the most popular music broadcasters in Northern Ireland. She's a household name through hosting her own daily show on local radio and regular appearances at top clubs throughout Northern Ireland.

"I've since built up sales in delis and smaller retail outlets across Northern Ireland and attracted inquiries from the Republic. Expanding retail outlets, servicing existing clients and exploring new business opportunities requires a totally different approach now. While I want to support the pickle by continuing sampling the product with retailers I need a distributor to look after sales and logistics. This is essential if I am to develop the business in response to the extremely positive feedback about the pickle.

Carolyn set up Totally Hot NI to develop the type of pickles she had enjoyed during holidays to Jamaica. "They are a whole new taste experience marrying the fire of the Caribbean with the finest and freshest of local produce," she adds.

Her great passion is for full-on flavoursome food rocking the excitement of tangy Caribbean spice with crisp, garden-fresh fare.

The product range, Carolyn Stewart's Totally Hot Caribbean Pickle, is a fiery combination of peppers, onions, carrots, garlic and scotch bonnets sliced and marinated in cider vinegar with a fabulous spicy kick.

The pickle is designed to accompany fish dishes, jerk chicken, burgers, pizza, curries and hot and cold meats. "It's the preserve that packs a punch and just about any dish will be a knockout with this Totally Hot new flavour," she continues.

"I also want to focus attention on developing new Jamaican style products. Other food businesses in Northern Ireland have also been using the pickle in their products including as a pizza topping," she adds.