Passion Preserved wins listing with top artisan distributor

Passion Preserved, a producer of savoury relishes, pickles and chutney, has been listed by a leading artisan food distributor operating in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The Northern Ireland business, a gold award winner in the recent Blas na hEireann Irish National Food Awards, is supplying its entire range of relishes, pickles and chutney to SoulBia, based at Flurrybridge, county Armagh close to the border with the Republic.

SoulBia has listed the 13-strong range of Passion Preserved products including its Kasundi Indian Pickle, a product which gained the small company a gold award in Blas na hEireann in September.

Claire Kelly gave up a successful career as a chartered accountant and business adviser to pursue a passion for handmade food products. This passion became Passion Preserved, a small business in which she has created an original range of relishes and chutneys.

Commenting on the listing with SoulBia, Mrs Kelly says: "I was delighted when the company approached me to supply products because the agreement gives me greater access to the Republic of Ireland, a key export market for me. They are enthusiastic about my products and committed to growing sales.

"SoulBia was attractive because of the strength of its commitment to artisan producers and its focus on delis and independent retailers."

Most of the ingredients in Passion Preserved products, including chillies, are grown by Mrs Kelly in her own garden that includes poly tunnels and are processed in a purpose-built unit at Lisburn in county Antrim.

SoulBia, a member of the Guild of Fine Foods, distributes to delicatessens, farm shops, butchers, fishmongers and coffee shops, a wide range of products from the Irish artisan and free-from food sector.