M&S - Laura Harper, trading director Ireland and Northern Ireland at M&S, and JP Lyttle, commercial & product development director at Genesis Bakery

Source: M&S

Laura Harper, trading director Ireland and Northern Ireland at M&S, and JP Lyttle, commercial & product development director at Genesis Bakery, hold the new Lamington lines

Genesis Bakery has created a range of Lamingtons for M&S, marking what the retailer claims is a first for the classic Australian cake in UK retail.

The County Londonderry-based business has been an M&S supplier for over 15 years, and currently produces a core range of 22 own-label products for the retailer including the Mini Fruity Cupcake Selection as well as special seasonal showstoppers.

Genesis has now turned its attention to creating two flavours of Lamingtons – Chocolate & Coconut and Caramelised Biscuit – exclusively for M&S (rsp: £4 for a pack of two).

The Chocolate & Coconut version is close to the original recipe, and features buttermilk-enriched chocolate sponge coated in chocolate sauce, rolled in coconut flakes, and topped with hand-piped jam and buttercream.

The Caramelised Biscuit has rich chocolate sponge coated in chocolate sauce, rolled in golden caramelised biscuit crumb, and finished with hand-piped buttercream and salted caramel sauce.

“We are incredibly proud to be producing these new Lamingtons for M&S,” commented JP Lyttle, commercial & product development director at Genesis Bakery. “Our long-standing partnership has always been built on shared values of quality and innovation. Bringing this iconic treat to the UK high street is a testament to what we can achieve together, and we’re excited to continue investing in our people and our community here in Magherafelt.”

The Lamingtons are said to showcase how M&S is drawing inspiration from global food trends to create fresh new products for its customers. They follow the 2023 launch of M&S’ Magic Coffee, inspired by the Melbourne coffee scene.

M&S recently unveiled a new range of premium cookies that are both filled and topped – similar to New York-style cookies – having enjoyed viral summer success with its Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich, which was based on a Japanese fruit ’sando’.   

Genesis Bakery evolved from the McErlain family business founded in 1968, and was rescued from administration by Tayto Group CEO Paul Allen via a pre-pack deal in 2018. The company currently employs over 250 people at its Magherafelt site, and was previous featured in a round-up of brands that were highlighted at the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Showcase 2024.