Burren Balsamics doubles sales of fruit infused vinegars

Burren Balsamics, the Northern Irish developer of a unique range of natural fruit infused vinegars, has doubled sales over the past year.

The business, based at Richill in county Armagh, announced the rise in sales in target markets such as Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, as it launched a new Chilli and Honey addition to its existing seven-strong range of zesty fruit balsamics.

The existing range features Bramley apple, rhubarb and ginger, strawberry and mint, blackcurrant, blueberry and blackberry and thyme.

Susie Hamilton Stubber, the founder and managing director of the small business, commenting on the launch of the new Chilli and Honey product, says: "Chilli is a popular trend and we've also seen artisan honey becoming popular again.

"We have a group of very enterprising honey producers here in Northern Ireland. It made sense to combine the two in the creation of a delicious balsamic for retail and foodservice customers. All the fruit in our existing range is sourced from local suppliers," she adds.

She says the growth in sales experienced by the company is the outcome of an extensive marketing campaign in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. BBC Good Food is another item on the company's agenda.

"I've been taking part in shows in Britain, such as the Spirit of Summer Fair at Olympia in London, which have proved extremely successful. Our strategic focus is on taking every opportunity to introduce our balsamics to retailers, consumers and chefs in Britain. We've also developed some business in Dublin which we are keen to build on as well as expanding to other centres in the Republic."

Susie, who launched the company in February 2014, has a background in catering in London. The company also has a distributor in Britain.

She set up the business to develop a market opportunity for flavoured balsamics.
"These versatile bottles of flavour pack a punch and add endless possibilities to enhance salad dishes, stews and casseroles, marinades and soups. They are also delicious to just dip bread into," she adds.

She runs a small holding with her husband raising chickens, ducks and geese along with fruit and vegetables: "We've created a range of balsamic vinegars infused with blackberries, bramley apples, blueberries, strawberries and mint and raspberries.

"I believe the fruit vinegars are unique and are ideal for adding delicious flavours for adding to a host of dishes such as poultry, steak, game and salads. They are perfect for barbecues now that we are entering the season. They also enhance desserts."

The vinegars use only natural whole fruits for flavour and are available in distinctive 250ml bottles. The products are also available in special gift packs.