Baking brothers rise to awards challenge at Balmoral Show

Magherafelt bakery, Genesis Crafty, has been named the overall local supplier of the year at the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards breakfast at Balmoral Show.
Catherine Hunter of Genesis Crafty with Henderson sales and marketing director Paddy Doody, right, and fresh foods director Neal KellyCatherine Hunter of Genesis Crafty with Henderson sales and marketing director Paddy Doody, right, and fresh foods director Neal Kelly
Catherine Hunter of Genesis Crafty with Henderson sales and marketing director Paddy Doody, right, and fresh foods director Neal Kelly

The company, famously run by the six baking McErlaine brothers, also took home the tomorrow matters award, the category named after Henderson Group’s own CSR practices, rewarding their sustainable practices as a responsible company in Northern Ireland.

Genesis Crafty supplies a range of cakes, pancakes, scones and a variety of local breads to Henderson Wholesale, and more than 400 Spar, Eurospar and Vivo branded stores in Northern Ireland.

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Other winners included Armagh’s Daily Bake for the own brand supplier award, Around Noon who took home the best direct to store supplier award, and Moy Park, who won the brand innovation category.

“This is the fifth year of the Local Supplier Awards, and the most successful to date,” said Neal Kelly, fresh foods director at Henderson Wholesale.

“We received a record amount of over 40 entries from 29 of the local producers, farmers and growers who supply to the company and our stores in Northern Ireland.

“We have seen some truly innovative and sustainable practices from our suppliers in the past year, which helps us to continually grow our fresh food offering in store for daily shoppers.

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“The enjoy local range is expanding and reached sales of over £25.5M last year, and we wouldn’t be able to stock such a high-quality range without these suppliers.

“We’re delighted to reward them at the annual breakfast here at the Balmoral Show; I send my heartfelt congratulations to all winners, highly commended and shortlisted, and thanks to our independent panel of judges.”

Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director added: “The Balmoral Show is so important to us as a company as it gives us a chance to directly engage with our shoppers, potential shoppers and the cream of the crop of our local agri-food industry.”

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