Morelli's ice cream wins business in Republic of Ireland

Morelli's, Northern Ireland's top Italian-style ice cream brand, has secured a contract to supply its products to almost 30 Tesco stores in the Republic of Ireland.

Based at Coleraine in county Derry, Morelli's Ice Cream already has a long standing relationship with the grocery chain in Northern Ireland for the past 11 years. The family-owned and managed business has now secured a deal to distribute its award-winning ice cream to 29 Tesco stores spread across 15 counties in the Republic.

Coinciding with the roll out in the Republic, the company has launched a refreshing new look and size of retail packaging for its product. Tesco Ireland will be the first retailer to stock the vibrant new packaging.

Double cream vanilla and honeycomb will be the initial flavours on sale tempting consumers, available in the innovative 950ml tubs and will retail at €4.99 in the Republic.

Arnaldo Morelli, the managing director, says: "We'll be working closely with our colleagues in Tesco to ensure our entry into this new market is a success. We're confident that once consumers in Ireland get a taste for two of our most popular award-winning flavours, it won't be long before they'll be looking for more choice and we'll be in a position to increase our range. At present, no one else is using this new pack design in Ireland, or the UK, so we're sure it will help draw the shopper in for the all-important first trial."

Joe Manning, Tesco Ireland's fresh and frozen foods category director, adds; "We're always on the lookout for quality products to offer our customers more and more choice. It's even better when we can build on an existing relationship to do so and see products that we know have already proven to be popular, roll out into new markets through Tesco. It's an added bonus that Morelli's ice cream is in store throughout Ireland just in time for summer too!"

Originally from Italy, the Morelli family has been making ice cream in Northern Ireland since 1911 and currently has ice cream shops and franchises across the region, as well as a portable vending pod for festivals and events. The firm also supplies additional retail and wholesale customers including Spar, Asda, hotels and restaurants.