Expansion follows market success of new beef bone broth

Carol's Stock Market, an artisan manufacturer in Northern Ireland of natural stocks and beef broth, is stepping up production in response to growing demand for the unique range of natural products.

Based in Derry, the small business has expanded into bigger premises and invested in new production equipment.

Carol's Stock Market, established by entrepreneur Carol Banahan in 2016, has just moved from the Foodovation centre at the North West Regional College (NWRC) in Derry to a separate production facility in the city. The move follows the successful launch of Ireland's first beef bone broth last month.

"This is a very exciting stage in the development of the company. My business has gone from strength to strength. While it is bitter sweet leaving such a supportive environment at Foodovation, led by talented chef Brian McDermott, I need much bigger premises to meet the tremendous demand for my natural stocks and especially the beef bone broth and to enable me to develop additional products," she says.

"I've kitted out my new factory with all the equipment I need to ramp up production to meet the growing demand from Northern Ireland and increasingly from the Republic of Ireland. The new factory gives me scope for even faster growth. I certainly see a great opportunity to add to my existing beef bone broth in particular."

Carol's Stock Market has already won a series of prestigious awards, including UK Great Taste Awards and Blas n h'Eireann Irish National Food Awards for its stock from natural ingredients. Three natural stocks were launched last year - beef, chicken and vegetable.

The all natural beef bone broth is a traditional, home-made, natural broth made from locally sourced ingredients including bones from grass-fed animals and organic vegetables.

Beef bone broth is a great source of gelatin which comes from the collagen rich bones and is extraordinarily rich in protein with approx 20 grams of protein per pack. It makes a great comforting drink and can also be used in soups, stews and casseroles.