Black forest flavours from artisan bakery for Christmas tables

Howell's in Northern Ireland, a specialist in handmade cakes and biscuits, has launched a premium product that's ideal for festive occasions.

The company, part of Irwin's Bakery, Northern Ireland's largest independent bakery, has produced a new 350g Black Forest Chocolate Cake that's already on sale in Sainsbury's, Spar and SuperValu stores in Northern Ireland.

The luxury black forest flavoured chocolate cake is topped with frosting, dark chocolate curls and cherries. It retails at around £2.

The cake reflects a UK food trend towards black forest flavours in a range of foods including venison.

Irwin's Bakery acquired traditional-style cake and tray-bake specialist, 'Howell House' in 2006 to introduce a specialist home bakery category.

Since then, Irwin's has invested significantly in the division in order to enhance its artisan capabilities and identity, including a strategic rebrand in 2015.

Supplying the multiple sector as well the convenience and independent trade, Howell's is now a firm favourite within Northern Ireland with shoppers and has also won significant business in Britain, especially for its top selling product Jammy Joeys.

The bakery is based at Lisburn in county Antrim.