New export business for Northern Irish savoury specialist

Passion Preserved, the Northern Ireland artisan producer of savoury condiments, has strengthened its position in a key export market, the Republic of Ireland.

Based near Lisburn in county Antrim, Passion Preserved has begun to supply key butchers in the greater Dublin area as well as in Drogheda in county Louth.

The new business adds to the company's existing network of customers in Dublin and Cork.

Passion Preserved, an artisan business established by Claire Kelly, an accountant, in 2012 using ingredients mostly grown in her own extensive garden, is represented in Ireland by artisan food distributor SoulBia, based near Newry in county Down.

Mrs Kelly gave up a successful accountancy practice to pursue a longstanding interest in artisan food production.

Mrs Kelly, commenting on the new business in the Republic, says: "This is very good news for me in a market I've been targeting for some considerable time. The SoulBia team is doing a tremendous job in promoting my products throughout the Republic, a market offering great opportunities. We are now beginning to see the results of this work in the shape of new customers there."

The company has an extensive range of preserves, chutneys, relishes and pickles, many of which have won UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann Irish Food awards. Passion Preserved won a gold award for one of its unique relishes and a marketing bursary in the most recent Blas na hEireann Awards in Dingle, county Kerry.

"Winning gold and the bursary at Blas has also helped to sharpen the profile of my business in the Republic," she continues.

Passion Preserved products can be used as dips, cooking sauces, marinades and condiments.

In addition to developing business in the Republic, Passion Preserved supplies retailers in England and Scotland as well as Kuwait in the Middle East.