First business in Britain for unique Irish Black Butter

Irish Black Butter, Northern Ireland's recently launched savoury spread, has won its first business in Great Britain.

The butter, introduced by local businessman Alastair Bell of Portrush in county Antrim, is now being distributed to foodservice clients in Britain by Centaur Foods in Bristol.

Mr Bell, who developed the unique spread with help of top chef Paul Clarke of En Place Foods, also based in Northern Ireland, describes the new business with Centaur as "a very exciting breakthrough is a key target market".

"The relationship with Centaur gives us an immensely important springboard in Britain and especially in foodservice. It's hugely encouraging to have secured this business within just a few months of the launch of the black butter.

"Centaur is taking both varieties of the Black Butter - retail jars and catering packs," he adds.

Irish Black Butter, described as 'the new taste of Ireland' by Mr Bell, an experienced businessman, is a unique blend of Armagh bramley apples, treacle, cider and spices.

The product, launched in November, is proving immensely popular with delis, independent retailers and farm shops in Northern Ireland and increasingly in the Republic of Ireland.

As well as an accompaniment with cheese, Irish Black Butter is also being used to glaze ham, in porridge, as an ingredient for pies, as a spread for toast and for hot drinks.

Centaur Foods, which has been in business for over 20 years and supplies a range of foods to customers, including ingredients to manufacturers, in the UK, Ireland and other parts of Europe.