Superquinn contract for Blackthorn fudge and fondues

Blackthorn Foods, Northern Ireland's award winning manufacturer of handmade fudge bars and unique Butter Fudge and Chocolate Fudge fondues, has won a significant contract to supply the full range of its artisan products to Superquinn stores throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The contract for Blackthorn's Melting Pot range of 11 fudge bars and two recently launched fondue products is the biggest to date for the company in the Republic, a key target market for the Belfast-based firm which has won UK Great Taste Awards for many of its products including its butter and flavoured fudge bars.

The Superquinn business is the result of a recent distribution deal between Blackthorn Foods and Simply Wild, the Republic's biggest wholesaler specialising in artisan foods. It means Blackthorn's products will now be on the shelves of Superquinn's 29-strong network of supermarkets across the Republic.

Jenny Lowry, a Blackthorn director, says: "We have gained a foothold in this important market through business with the likes of Donnybrook Fair and the National Museum, both in Dublin. Superquinn gives us access to a wider market and will move us up to another important level.

"Winning the business from Superquinn is a marvellous boost for the business as it will increase awareness of our products among consumers beyond Dublin. Superquinn was one of the first to launch our Butter Fudge Fondue. The fondue has proved an outstandingly successful innovation that has enabled the company to establish a strong presence in the dessert marketplace within the past six months. The very positive feedback encouraged us to develop and launch the Chocolate Fudge fondue".

"The fondue is a natural product that's handmade and has no additives or E numbers to preserve the product. 130g of fudge is in a Cazuela, a tapas style earthenware dish from Spain. It's an exceptionally easy product to prepare - just heat either in a microwave for 60 seconds, an oven for around six minutes or on a barbeque for 15 minutes. Heating softens the fudge and it can then be used as a fondue dip, sauce or dessert accompaniment.

Blackthorn Foods was established in 2003 to develop fudge from an old family recipe. The company now produces 11 flavours of fudge in 90g bars, which is added to seasonally. Alongside the Fondues they have a gift range which is sold to wholesalers, independents shops and hamper companies.