Orchard Smokehouse gets fired up

One of Co. Armagh’s homegrown artisan food producers is set to receive a business boost from Lidl after being selected by the retailer as one of 26 artisan producers from their 2020 Kick Start Supplier Development Programme .
Director Martin RaffertyDirector Martin Rafferty
Director Martin Rafferty

One of Co. Armagh’s homegrown artisan food producers is set to receive a business boost from Lidl after being selected by the retailer as one of 26 artisan producers from their 2020 Kick Start Supplier Development Programme .

Thanks to the scheme, Orchard Smokehouse will have its locally crafted products stocked in 208 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland for a limited-edition promotion, from Thursday, January 28.

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Following an initial in-store sales promotion last summer, which saw their smoked turkey and smoked chicken fillets snapped up by Lidl shoppers, Orchard Smokehouse has secured a second promotional listing with Northern Ireland’s fastest growing supermarket retailer.

With a focus on quality and dedication to producing only the finest flavoursome products, Orchard Smokehouse uses traditional smoking techniques and the finest quality meat to create its range of succulent meats.

Based on the outskirts of Armagh City, Orchard Smokehouse, led by Director Martin Rafferty, was established by local company Meadow Farm Foods in 2018. In just a short space of time, the company has gone from strength to strength, building its loyal customer base and expanding its product range, but not without the support received through Lidl’s Kick Start programme.

Director Martin Rafferty said: “Since the initial in-store promotion in July last year we’ve had enquiries from customers all over the island of Ireland, even from as far away as Westmeath, asking when they can find our products in Lidl stores again. Being selected for Lidl’s Kick Start scheme has given us invaluable experience of upscaling operations to supply a leading supermarket retailer, not to mention providing us a major sales boost and improved brand recognition.

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“We’re delighted that our Smoked Turkey and Smoked Chicken products have proven to be such a hit and we can’t wait for even more customers to try them when they return to Lidl shelves from January 28. “

With an eye on exporting, Orchard Smokehouse has been focused on developing commercial opportunities to expand its customer base and the partnership with Northern Ireland’s fastest growing supermarket retailer has provided a significant boost to the business.

“Working with Lidl and being part of the Kick Start programme has been a huge asset to us and it offers a unique opportunity to break into the retail sector. Through their in-store promotions we are able to tap into a combined base of two million weekly customers across Lidl’s 208 stores within the island of Ireland.

“As a small and relatively young business, it’s fantastic to operate at this level and leverage all of the opportunities associated with the partnership. Alongside the invaluable learnings we’re taking away a real sense of inspiration to continue to expand our product range and a belief that our product is a success with customers which will inspire us to take our business to the next level. We’re excited for the future,” added Martin.

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Now in its fourth year, the Lidl Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is designed to help small and medium sized local food and drink producers grow their brand, build their supply network and reach new customer audiences with the potential of becoming a permanently-listed Lidl supplier.

Along with the Orchard Smokehouse range of succulent smoked meats, the promotion will see award-winning apple cider vinegar, hearty meat pies, healthy ready meals and premium Irish gin, all crafted in Northern Ireland, hit shelves on Thursday 28th January for a one-week limited edition promotion.

Previous Kick Start success stories include Noisy Snacks based in Newtownards, Copeland Spirits distilled in Donaghadee and Refuge Hot Chocolate brewed in Belfast as well as many more.

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