Healthy export business for Northern Irish 'detox' juice processor

Cold pressed 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices from northern Irish processor Seriously Juicy have won business in delis and independent shops in the Republic of Ireland. Recent customers for the 'detox' juices, launched earlier in the year, also include the Monaghan Gaelic football club.

Formed in 2015 by Fiona Lydon, a lawyer, and based at Newtownbutler in county Fermanagh, Seriously Juicy cold presses rich blends of raw fruits and vegetables to create a four-strong range of juices for health conscious consumers.

The range consists of 'Mean Green', apple, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, parsley, ginger and lemon; 'Ginger Zinger' with apple, carrot, lemon and ginger; 'Sweet Beet' comprising beetroot, apple, carrot, spinach and lime; and 'Mango Tango' with mango, carrots, pineapple, yellow bell peppers, cucumber and lime.

In addition to delis and other stores in many parts of Northern Ireland, the juices have recently been listed by retailers in Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Sligo in the Republic of Ireland. The Monaghan gaelic football team is using the small company's 'Mean Green' as part of its training regime.

The recipes are all her own and made from 100 per cent raw vegetables and fruits with no added water or preservatives. They are all gluten free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The 'detox' juices are available in 330ml bottles at around £3.

Leading Irish chefs Noel McMeel of the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, Neven Maguire of McNean House and Restaurant at Blacklion in Cavan and BBC's Paula McIntyre are assisting the company in developing its business.

Mother of two young children, Mrs Lydon developed an interest in the juices while living in Boston and London. "I'd seen the trend in both centres towards juices using raw vegetables. I decided to develop my own versions when we returned to Fermanagh.

"I trialled these with family and friends and was encouraged by their feedback. I use High Pressure Processing to provide a shell-life of 30 days. I'd hope to double this in the near future," she says.

"The juices are packed with vitamins including A, B, C, E, K and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. They are said to provide a boost to the immune and digestive systems, clear out free radicals, purify the blood and liver and rehydrate the body," she adds.