Grace’s Irish Biscuits has secured its biggest deal in the US to supply its traditional handcrafted biscuits to discount retailer Cost Plus World Market.

The Bangor-based bakery manufacturer approached the retail giant last year providing a sample order of its Irish shamrock-shaped biscuits, after which, a larger order was agreed to be supplied throughout Cost Plus World Market’s network of more than 260 stores.

William Bullock, managing director and founder of Grace’s, said: “This gives us a significant presence with Cost Plus World Market in its stores from California to Virginia and is our biggest business to date in a market that we’ve targeted for faster growth. The contract also represents an important development for us beyond ethnic Irish regions in New York and Boston into mainstream America.

“Exports of our traditional and distinctive shamrock-shaped biscuits are growing steadily in the US, Europe and further afield and we are well on the way to becoming a leader in quality Irish oatmeal and shortbread biscuits.”

Grace’s has also agreed a deal to supply its biscuits to the forthcoming Winter Ball of the International Fund for Ireland, which will be attended by Sir Bob Geldof, at the Savoy Hotel.