12 October 2005

Tayto is taste of Northern Ireland success

On a recent visit to Tayto NI, Secretary of State Peter Hain has described the company as an excellent example of how Northern Ireland companies can compete at the highest level.

Tayto NI recently announced winning a contract, worth over £10 million, to supply own brand crisps, including some of the Tesco Finest range, to Tesco stores throughout the UK.

Shown round the factory by Managing Director Stephen Hutchinson, Mr Hain congratulated the company on securing the major contract: “Tayto has invested heavily in recent years in research and development of new products, and in state of the art equipment to ensure that the highest standards of quality are achieved.

“Winning this significant contract from one of the UK’s biggest multiples is an indication of how highly regarded Tayto’s products are.

“The agri-food sector has a vital role to play in the evolution of the Northern Ireland economy. The blueprint for achieving growth in this sector has been set out in the Fit for Market report, the report of the Food Strategy Group which is currently being implemented by Invest NI and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“The report highlights the need for local food companies to develop innovative products, focus on providing solutions for the market place and in particular, to increase the level of exports. This contract is clearly the result of Tayto’s commitment to those ideals.”

Tayto NI Ltd is the only crisp and snack producer in Northern Ireland and in recent years has built on its local success by capturing a greater share of the wider UK snack food market.

A family owned business Tayto NI currently employs 300 people in the manufacture of a wide range of potato crisps and snacks under the Tayto, Fusion and Advantage brands.

(SP/MB)