We're delighted to be working with 15 food companies from across Northern Ireland who are all taking part in our latest Asda Supplier Development Academy.
It's the third time we've run the Academy programme which we launched in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland in 2012.
The six-month programme brings together expertise from around Asda to help local suppliers grow their own business, promote innovation and boost their sales. The programme will cover areas like supply chain; account management; marketing; new product development and innovation.
Since the Academy first launched we've helped 22 food companies across Northern Ireland collectively generate an additional £11 million in sales.
We welcomed the suppliers to our head office in Leeds, to help them gain a better understanding of the systems and processes involved in trading with Asda.
The 15 companies are:
- Dale Farm Ltd
- Western Brand Poultry in Lisnaskea, Fermanagh
- Cloughbane Farm Foods Ltd in Dungannon
- Kestrel Foods Ltd (Forest Feast) in Portadown
- Classic Mineral Water Co Ltd in Lurgan
- Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd
- Finnebrogue Artisan in Downpatrick
- Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown
- White’s Speedicook Ltd, Tandragee
- LacPatrick Dairies (NI) Ltd in Coleraine and Strabane
- Mackle Petfoods in Moy
- Unimush Ireland Ltd in Armagh
- Thompsons Family Teas Ltd (Punjana)
- TS Foods Ltd in Castlewellan
- Davison’s Canners Ltd in Portadown
Emma Swan, our Buying Manager for Northern Ireland Local, said: “We’re delighted to once again support our local suppliers through this bespoke development academy which is very much focused on growth and opportunity.
“The success of the previous two SDAs is obvious, and we aim to continue this trend in 2019.
“Our approach is hands on and practical, and by taking steps such as refining commercial skills and practices, we will help these companies, which are already regarded as strong business partners, to unlock their full potential and build long term trading relationships."
John Hood, Director Food and Drink at Invest NI, said: “This initiative will benefit 15 local food companies across a range of categories and at different stages in their relationship with Asda, from long-standing to new suppliers.
“The current retail environment is dynamic and consumer-focused, so the combination of insights, business mentoring and development planning provided by the Academy is crucial to supporting suppliers in maintaining and developing their business with Asda, both locally and nationally.”
