First Sales In Brussels for Erne Larder Preserves
Erne Larder Preserves, the Northern Ireland producer of a range of gourmet ketchup, sauces, jams and pesto has signed its first ever business in Belgium, it’s first sales outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Based in Enniskillen, county Fermanagh, Erne Larder, which is owned and run by experienced chef Declan O’Donoghue, is now supplying its complete range of products to the high-end Wesley’s Butcher Shop in Brussels, the Belgium capital and EU hub.
The new deal for the Northern Ireland family business was facilitated by the Artisan Food Club in Britain which listed Erne Larder last year. Wesley’s is selling the company’s Irish Bacon Jam, Irish Bacon Ketchup, Irish Whiskey Marmalade, Irish Stout and Onion Chutney and Fiery Jalapeno Relish.
Mr O’Donoghue, who launched the business on the back of an extensive career as a top chefs in hotels and restaurants in Ireland in 2017, says: “Our first business in Belgium couldn’t have come at a better time for us because of the current trading difficulties in doing business in the UK and Ireland.
“The new listing gives us a good foothold in Brussels with a business in an area that’s popular with people working at the European Commission from many parts of Europe,” he adds.
“I am looking forward to holding tasting sessions there once the virus outbreak has ended,” he says.
Wesley’s Butcher’s Shop, which is in the European Quarter of Brussels has been trading there for over two years and specialises in premium beef, including Irish Black Angus, Irish lamb and poultry. In addition to the meat business, the shop provides a range of artisan deli products. The butchery also has extensive on line sales and operates a delivery service.
Erne Larder’s customers in Northern Ireland also include European discounters Aldi and Lidl supermarkets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The original recipes for Erne Larder’s range of products were created by Mr O’Donoghue using his experience in hotels and restaurants
Erne Larder products are also now also on sale in delis and independent stores across Northern Ireland and in many outlets in the Republic.
A key element in his approach is a focus on locally-sourcedingredients.
