Lidl premium label contract for Fivemiletown cheese

Northern Ireland's Fivemiletown Creamery has been awarded a contract with Lidl to supply soft cheeses for its Deluxe own label range of premium products.

The award-winning creamery is supplying its handmade brie and oak smoked cheddar to the Deluxe brand for sale in the160-strong network of Lidl stores in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The Deluxe brand is Lidl's top tier offering, aimed specifically at consumers seeking premium products at excellent value.

Aoife Clarke, from Lidl Ireland, says: "We were attracted to Fivemiletown because of the company's reputation as a producer of quality handcrafted and award winning Irish cheese. We saw the creamery's cheese as an ideal fit for our Deluxe product range which includes products sourced from local suppliers who take pride in creating exceptional food.

"Our strategic focus is on developing long-term relationships with suppliers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Fivemiletown Creamery is an excellent example of superb food and drink produced in Northern Ireland. We are keen to encourage the industry's growth by expanding our locally-sourced range of products."

Kevin McManus, Fivemiletown Creamery's Sales Manager, adds: "We are delighted to have been chosen by Lidl for the premium Deluxe range. The contract is an important endorsement of the quality of our products.With immediate access to 160 stores in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, this helps to drive volume sales within our speciality cheese portfolio and goes a long way towards job creation within the Fivemiletown community, whilst also supporting the dairy farmers who supply the high protein milk that we insist upon for our speciality cheese."

The Deluxe brand was introduced for the first time in November 2009 by Lidl and has proved to be a popular addition in the retailer's stores. Deluxe lines have expanded to now include meats, cheese, fish, chocolates and bakery items. The first Lidl store in Northern Ireland opened in 1999.

Fivemiletown Creamery was established in 1898 as a farmers' co-operative. It currently employs over 80 people in the production of soft cheese and creamy cheddars for customers in 15 countries.