Award-winning artisan Northern Ireland producer put on the market as its French founders plan to retire after six successful years

Lecale Harvest, an award-winning artisan food business in Downpatrick started by French rugby player Patrice Bonnargent and his Co Down-born wife Joy, is on the market.

The entrepreneurial couple have decided to retire and to sell the small business which has won a string of UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann Irish National Food awards for a range of unique French influenced meat and seafood dishes over the past six years.

“After six wonderful years, we’ve decided the time has come to slow things down just a little. What started in our kitchen at home, driven by a love of good food (with a French twist, of course), has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of,” explains Joy.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way - our customers, stockists, and community. We’re not going anywhere just yet, so don’t worry! But if you, or someone you know, might be interested in taking on this special little business, we’d love to hear from you,” adds Joy.

Lecale Harvest is a hugely successful family run business, founded by Patrice Bonnargent, a native of Tours who came to Northern Ireland to play rugby against Portadown…..and stayed, married and raised a family. Originally, he started a business in Killough to farm oysters and other seafood which he subsequently exported to France. Patrice’s vast experience and contacts in the oyster business there ensured that the start-up enterprise prospered.

​As a young man in France, Patrice had the benefits of a chef for a father and enjoyed traditional and wholesome meals. He was influenced by using local and seasonal produce which has continued throughout his life and has now become the ethos for Lecale Harvest.

Using traditional methods from his homeland, Lecale Harvest was created and continued to expand and grow its range of 17 artisan products including seafood pates, easy to cook meals, such as Beef Bourguignon and Confit Duck, which can now be found in a variety of delicatessens, farm shops, butchers, independent speciality food stores, and wholesalers throughout the UK and Ireland.