Finnebrogue Artisan secure Extra Special Asda contract

Finnebrogue Artisan secure Extra Special Asda contract

24 July 2019

AWARD-WINNING Downpatrick company Finnebrogue Artisan has secured a major new national supply contract with Asda to produce three new frozen sausage lines for the retailer’s Extra Special range.

The new premium pork, cumberland and red onion sausages — which are also gluten-free — are exclusive to Asda and will be available in over 330 stores across the UK. 

The deal builds upon Asda and Finnebrogue Artisan’s existing relationship which has seen the family business supply Extra Special sausages to Asda since 2014.

Finnebrogue Artisan also supplies the supermarket giant with a range of Extra Special accompaniments including cocktail sausages, stuffing and last year’s ultimate pig in blanket Christmas range. 

John Cowen, Finnebrogue Artisan’s account manager for Asda, said the firm was “thrilled” to continue its relationship with the leading retailer.

“The new lines are sold in re-sealable freezer bags, which answers increasing consumer demand for convenient premium produce,” he explained.

“This of course means less wastage as customers don’t need to defrost more than they need. It really is a milestone for the business as it’s the first time we have produced our award-winning range of sausages in a convenient frozen format.”

Mr Cowen said the local firm prided itself on innovation and was confident its team of experts had developed sausage varieties Asda customers will love. 

In addition, he said the sausages were for all year round, not just the barbecue season.

Emma Swan, Asda’s buying manager for Northern Ireland Local, said the leading supermarket worked alongside its suppliers to create what she described as “innovative, affordable, delicious and high-quality products”.

She added: ”Our work with Finnebrogue on the Extra Special frozen range is no exception.

“Working closely with the team at Finnebrogue, we are very proud to be the first retailer to offer a premium range of frozen sausages and with our summer weather set to remain unpredictable, it’s come at the perfect time.”