Exports to Republic boost Around Noon's business

Around Noon, the Northern Ireland specialist in innovative 'grab andgo' quality convenience foods, achieved a 40 per cent growth in
sales during 2015 driven by a sharp increase in business in the
Republic of Ireland.

As a result of a sharp focus on developing business in the Republic,sales in this important market now account for 50 per cent of the
company's turnover.

Gareth Chambers, Around Noon chief executive officer, commenting on the company's success outside Northern Ireland, says: "We are now
benefiting from a strategic decision a few years' ago to invest timeand other resources in a series of initiatives to expand our
business in the Republic, our closest market place.

"This approach has also led to initial business in Scotland and England, business we are also keen to grow over the next few years.

"The Republic is becoming an immensely important market for us.
We've developed good business especially with 'grab and go' food
retailers there which appreciate a supplier committed to quality andin the development of the type of innovative tastes that their
customers are seeking in what is now a very dynamic and
sophisticated industry.

"We work alongside our customers in creating original products offering outstanding taste. For example, we developed around 200 new products this year to meet the specific requirements of individual
customers.

"We continue to win business from our production process which
continues to depend on the skills and experience of our people in
hand crafting our products.

"This ensures consistent quality. What we offer is essentially an
artisan approach within the business model that has the capability and experience to meet volume requirements of customers. Only the
packaging is automated," he adds.

Established in 1989 by Sheila and Francis Chambers, Gareth's parents, Around Noon now employs 170 people at a state-of-the-art
processing plant at Newry, Co. Down. The company sources supplies
for its products from other local businesses including Irwin's Bakery in Portadown, Rich Sauces in Newtownards and Clandeboye Estate
Yoghurt in Bangor.

Around Noon currently has a portfolio of around 600 products -
gourmet sandwiches, paninis, wraps, smoothies, juices, fresh fruit
and yoghurt.