'Fantastic taste' of Northern Ireland's Finnebrogue sausages

Asda's Extra Special Chipolatas - produced by Northern Ireland's Finnebrogue - have won the ultimate sausage prize at the meat industry's equivalent of the Oscars - The Supermeat & Fish Awards. The annual prize ceremony recognised meat and fish products from retailers and producers across the UK and singled out Asda's Extra Special Chipolata as 'Best Sausage Product.' It is organised by Meat Trades Journal. The pork sausages are produced in 12 packs for Asda by Finnebrogue, which is based in Downpatrick, county Down. The prizewinning product shifts almost 50,000 packs per week in Asdastores and has seen an enormous increase of 60 per cent in the past year - proving that this popular meaty treat, perhaps best known as a staple of the Christmas Dinner, has all year round appeal. Guy Dobson, Asda's sausage buyer says: "I can personally vouch for the fantastic taste and texture of these products which were developed for Asda by Finnebrogue as part of the biggest private label contract to be won by any Asda supplier in Northern Ireland to date. "We're always excited to see a local company seize the opportunity Asda presents by growing their business significantly through our national network of stores." Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue managing director, adds: "We make great sausages, making the best quality product is what we set out to do every single day of our lives, and it is just great for everyone who works at Finnebrogue and Asda to be recognised for this." The Asda 'Extra Special' sausage range, of which the Chipolata is part, is available at over 400 stores across the UK and the contract, awarded in May 2014, has resulted in a major expansion at Finnebrogue, which recruited 60 new staff to cope with demand.