Distribution deal in Irish Republic for Irish Black Butter

A new distribution deal will enable Irish Black Butter, the Northern Ireland savoury spread, increase sales in the Republic of Ireland. The company has already developed business in the greater Dublin area.

Irish Black Butter, established in November 2017 by entrepreneur Alastair Bell, has signed up with Soulbia, a specialist in artisan foods with an extensive network in the Republic of Ireland as well as in Northern Ireland.

The agreement with Soulbia follows an earlier deal with Centaur Foods of Bristol to distribute the unique butter spread to foodservice clients, in particular, in parts of Britain.

Based in Portrush, county Antrim, Mr Bell, who created the savoury spread with top chef Paul Clarke of En Place Foods, also based in Northern Ireland, says the new arrangement with Soulbia is another important stage in the growth of Irish Black Butter in markets outside Northern Ireland.

"I've been thoroughly impressed by the way Soulbia does business and its vision for the growth on artisan suppliers on the island of Ireland. The small company is a really good fit for my business as I seek to grow sales in the strategically important Irish marketplace for Irish Black Butter," he adds.

Irish Black Butter is a distinctive blend of Armagh bramley apples, treacle, cider and spices and is available in retail jars and catering bottles.

The product is already an established success with delis, independent retailers and farm shops in Northern Ireland.

The butter is popular on a cheese board, for glazing ham, in porridge, as an ingredient for pies, and as a spread for toast and for hot drinks.

Soulbia, based near Newry in county Down, close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, is a wholesale distributor to delicatessens, farm shops, butchers, fishmongers and coffee shops offering a wide range of products from the Irish artisan and Free-From food sector.