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Dromore’s Cottage Catering lands sweet deal in UAE

First business for Cottage Catering of Dromore with a major premium retailer in the United Arab Emirates

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Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster today announced first business for Cottage Catering of Dromore with a major premium retailer in the United Arab Emirates.

The Minister congratulated Cottage Catering on winning business with Spinneys for eight dessert product lines and will supply a total of 15 stores across UAE.

Arlene Foster said:

This is a hugely significant contract in the Emirates for Cottage Catering, an ambitious local manufacturer which has been enjoying considerable success from a strategic focus on growing export business.

Dubai is the latest market developed by the company following a series of deals for its range of desserts in European markets including the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Sweden.

The contract with such an influential and respected retailer as Spinneys positions Cottage Catering for fast growth in a very vibrant and discerning marketplace. Demand for quality products from the United Kingdom is expanding rapidly because of increasing affluence among expats as well as locals.

I’ve had an opportunity to talk to Spinneys and other leading retailers during my visit to the United Arab Emirates and it’s been immensely encouraging to see so many quality foods from Northern Ireland on the shelves of supermarkets in key business centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The clear message is that there are significant opportunities for Northern Ireland food and drink companies, both large and small, and across all sectors in this very exciting marketplace.

Dubai is also an ideal hub from which to build business throughout the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa.

Austin Moore, Cottage Catering General Manager Director, said:

This is a very exciting development for us in a completely new and dynamic market. We’ve encouraged by the business and feedback from customers to our range of products which include cheesecakes, trifles, sundaes and ganaches.

We are working closely with the team at Spinneys to exploit what is a very significant new business opportunity that was brokered by Invest NI, which introduced us to the retailer and then helped us to develop a cost-effective and highly professional route to market by way of Pan Euro Foods in Dublin.

Published 18 September 2014