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PEPPUP Sees Record Growth In Ireland For Italian Sauces

PEPPUP, the Northern Ireland producer of authentic Italian sauces, dips and ketchup, has launched three new products on the back of recent successful growth in sales across Ireland.

The family business is owned and managed by Dr Luca Montorio, a nutritionist originally from Turin, and wife Liz and is now based at Newtownards in county Down.

The company has seen sales in the Republic grow by 10 foldin the past year as a result of a strategic decision to focus resources on family butchery stores, delis and independent grocers throughout the island of Ireland. It is now the market leader in many of these outlets. PEPPUP is a Food NI member company.

The new products just launched expand the company’s existing and successful portfolio. They are an original bolognese and a smooth bolognese, both in 480g jars, and a 330g chilli dip.

“The new products have also been influenced by feedbackfrom retailers and customers. Our new bolognese sauces are a response to those in both Northern Ireland and the Republic seeking original and smoother in addition to our existing basil and chilli bologneses. The Irish market seems to have a preference for original and a smoother bologneses, the latter similar to passata,” he adds.

“I’ve drawn on the very positive feedback from retailers and customers I’ve received during my many marketing trips to existing and potential outlets throughout Ireland. I’ve spent much of my time visiting butchers and smaller grocers in the Republic over the past year and it’s now paying dividends in terms of increasing business. PEPPUP is now the preferred Italian sauce in many butchers,” he adds.

All PEPPUP products feature premium roasted red peppers and tomatoes and are based on original recipes developed by Dr Montorio and influenced by his upbringing in Turin, where his parents still live.

The portfolio includes two ketchups – original and mild chilli, two pasta sauces – original and mild chilli – a Mediterranean cooking sauce – two dips and the four bologneses. Several of the products have won multiple UK Great Taste and Free From awards.

PEPPUP’s bolognese and dips use only natural ingredients, are gluten free, dairy free, fat free, and with no added sugar. They are also unique in not having onion and garlic and so are IBS friendly.

“This gives a fresh taste, free of allergens and preservatives and suitable for vegans, reflecting the strength of ourcommitment to nutritional and tasty food,” Mr Montorio adds. “They reflect our commitment to clean food.”

The company, in addition, has introduced a PEPPUP channel on You Tube with recipe ideas and guidance on how to use its range of Italian products. “The channel is influenced by the growing trend towards cooking at home especially of popular Italian dishes such as lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese and meatballs,” Dr Montorio explains.

The company, in addition, has introduced a PEPPUP channel on You Tube with recipe ideas and guidance on how to use its range of Italian products. “The channel is influenced by the growing trend towards cooking at home especially of popular Italian dishes such as lasagne, spaghetti bolognese and meatballs,” Dr Montorio explains.

PEPPUP was formed by Dr Montorio and wife Liz in 2014. The initial products were ketchup and pasta sauce, which are now on sale in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The company has received assistance from Invest NI towards development of its products and marketing.