Erne Larder's dry cured bacon jam wins Lidl listing

Erne Larder Preserves has won a listing from German discounter Lidl for a dry cured smoked bacon jam.

The unique jam, the first in Ireland, has been developed by Declan O'Donoghue, founder of Erne Larder Preserves in Enniskillen, has been chosen by Lidl as part of its Kickstarter programme to assist then growth of smaller food processors.

The jam includes among its ingredients Fermanagh Black Bacon from Pat O'Doherty of O'Doherty's Fine Meats, also based in Enniskillen.

The smoked bacon jam is part of a portfolio of jams, relishes and pesto that Mr O'Donoghue has developed from his experience as a chef over 20 years in leading hotels and restaurants in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The bacon jam is produced in 220g jars RRP£3.29.

The successful smoked bacon jam follows approaches from hotel chefs for such a product for use in dishes and with cheese." I've always been interested in making my own food products and decided to start with a range of unusual jams and chutneys for events last Christmas," he says.

He adds: "These were based on my work in hotel kitchens to create dishes with deliciously different flavour profiles.

"They proved so popular with shoppers at the Christmas fairs around my home town of Enniskillen that I decided to start the business and to become a full-time producer in March.

"I love coming up with innovative food with different blends of flavours," he adds.

Erne Larder products are now also on sale in delis and independent stores across Northern Ireland, and Mr O'Donoghue has plans to extend the range and also to move into other food areas including patisserie.

A key element in his approach is a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. "There are so many excellent products available across Northern Ireland that can be used to create innovative and tasty products."