Tesco Northern Ireland unveils 31 new bakery listings

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Tesco Northern Ireland - Bakery account managers behind new listings

Source: Tesco Northern Ireland

L-R: Bertie’s Bakery founder Brian McErlain, Allied Bakeries (Sunblest) account manager Eugene Wallace, Irwin’s Bakery senior national account manager Gary Martin, Tesco NI’s bakery buying manager Ben McFadden, Genesis Bakery national sales manager Kingsley Burrows, Grahams Bakery business development manager Timothy Graham, and Holmes Bakery account manager Gillian Castles

A total of 31 new bakery listings has been unveiled at Tesco Northern Ireland stores, all sourced from homegrown suppliers.

The regional retailer said the move helps further strengthen its commitment to championing local suppliers and delivering fresh, quality products to the table.

It builds on Tesco NI’s growing success in local bakery sales, with the Cake category seeing an 11% year-on-year growth in local share.

From handcrafted traybakes to freshly baked rolls, the new lines come from well-known bakeries such as Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown and Genesis Bakery in Magherafelt – which were both highlighted in a British Baker article on the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Showcase 2024.

Established in 1912, Irwin’s may be Northern Ireland’s oldest bakery but it keeps investing in NPD. This includes its new Mediterranean-inspired Wee Lemon Joeys (under the Howell’s sub-brand) and Brioche Muffins that are now on Tesco’s shelves.

The company has worked with Tesco NI for 28 years, supplying the first store in 1996 and now delivering over 30 products. “Our partnership has grown to generate more than £4 million in annual sales, with over 10% year-on-year growth,” said Irwin’s senior national account manager Gary Martin.

Tesco Northern Ireland - Tesco NI bakery buying manager Ben McFadden (left) and Irwin's Bakery senior national account manager Gary Martin

Source: Tesco Northern Ireland

Tesco NI bakery buying manager Ben McFadden (left) and Irwin’s Bakery senior national account manager Gary Martin

Meanwhile, Genesis has launched a new ‘Afters’ collection of mini cakes in eight flavours such as chocolate & caramel, raspberry jam & coconut, and coffee – the business also recently created a range of Lamingtons (classic Australian cakes) for M&S.

There are options at Tesco for an afternoon tea as well. Holmes Bakery’s in Craigavon has rolled out its new Biscoff Billionaire, Lemon Crunch, Orange Crunch, and Milk Chocolate Tiffin traybakes, whilst another Magherafelt firm in Bertie’s Bakery has produced an Apple Tart and an Apple Crumble.

Dromore-based Grahams Bakery has launched its new sweet treat brand Pick Me, with Blonde Chocolate & Brown Butter Brookies, Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes, and more items designed for indulgent coffee breaks.

For those looking for added nutrition without compromising on taste, the Belfast branch of Sunblest (owned by Allied Bakeries) has introduced a four-pack of Protein Pancakes specially manufactured in Northern Ireland.

“Our customers love seeing local favourites on our shelves – and these new lines offer even more choice and quality from right here in Northern Ireland,” said Ben McFadden, bakery buying manager at Tesco NI. “We’re proud to work in partnership with local suppliers to champion their products, support their growth, and bring our customers fresh, homegrown bakes every day.”

Holmes Bakery account manager Gillian Castles, said: “Tesco NI’s support for local producers has helped us reach more customers across Northern Ireland and expand our range while remaining faithful to our handcrafted traditions.”

The full line-of of new bakery listings at Tesco NI are as follows: