Northern Ireland-based business Bertie’s Bakery is expanding its workforce after securing a Tesco supply deal worth almost £2m.
Under the deal, 12 Bertie’s Bakery lines have rolled out across 19 Tesco Express stores in Northern Ireland. This is being followed by 30 lines going into 24 of Tesco’s main estate superstores. Among the products to be listed are scones, Toaster Wheaten, pancakes, Butterfly Buns, floury baps, iced cream fingers, and finger rolls.
As a result of the listings, 12 new jobs are being created across the business, including bakery and sales personnel, bringing the number of people employed by the company to 45.
Bertie’s Bakery was founded by former Genesis Crafty managing director Brian McErlain in 2020, and operates from a 15,000 sq ft site outside Magherafelt.
“Bertie’s Bakery is named after my mother who, along with my father Joe, were founders of the original McErlain’s bakery in 1968,” said McErlain. “Her mantra was ‘don’t sell anything you wouldn’t love to eat yourself’ and it is that core value which is driving us today.”
He added that the business sources “the very best flours, oils, seeds and grains” to produce traditional breads, cakes and snacks and new interpretations of old favourites.
“Securing a listing with Tesco marks another significant step forward for Bertie’s Bakery, making our products even more widely available to consumers across Northern Ireland and enabling us to create more jobs locally,” said McErlain, adding that the bakery’s central location made it possible to bake through the night for delivery direct to stores by morning.
Tesco said it was proud to support local suppliers.
“Our new partnership with Bertie’s Bakery reflects our commitment to continually improving and expanding our offering,” added Gareth Morton, head of category commercial NI at Tesco.
“Bertie’s is a local business with a long history in Northern Ireland and we are excited to be able to provide their products to Tesco customers.”
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