En Place Foods in biggest-ever deal in Britain

En Place Foods (UK), the Northern Irish artisan producer of chutneys, culinary oils, vinegars and speciality jams, has won a major contract with the Lanchester Group in Durham to supply a range of products for Christmas hampers.

The contract, worth around £250,000, will see En Place's award winning products included in hampers for sale by BHS in almost 100 stores throughout Britain.

En Place, based at Cookstown in county Tyrone, has won a host of UK Great Taste Awards for its handcrafted chutneys, relishes and jams.

Paul Clarke, En Place managing director, commenting on the new business in Britain, says: "We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious and influential client as Lanchester in the development of a range of our products specifically for BHS hampers.

"The new business relationship with this leading wholesaler will raise our profile substantially and increase our brand awareness in what is our most important marketplace. We are keen to work with Lanchester on other business projects.

"We'll be producing our chutneys, relishes and speciality jams in smaller 100g jars to suit the gift hampers," Paul Clarke, of En Place, adds: "The contract gives us a strong base in the speciality food market, which. We believe, offers significant opportunities for the products we are developing for both professional chefs and home meal preparation.

"Research shows that the UK speciality food market has experienced above average growth over recent years, with Datamonitor projecting growth of 5.5 per cent year on year. The market is valued at over £3 billion."

Formed in 2010, En Place specialises in the development and processing of handcrafted foods designed to complement and enhance the home dining experience.

In addition to the En Place range of flavoured oils and jams, the company produces the Moyallon range of chutneys and relishes,

En Place products do not use artificial preservatives, flavours, colouring, modified starches or any other fillers or bulking agents. The company has won almost 50 UK Great Taste Awards.

The Lanchester Group, which has been in business for 33 years, specialises in the wholesale of wines in Britain from international producers.