Belleek squares up to Waterford Crystal

WORLD famous Northern Ireland china manufacturer Belleek Pottery is entering the crystal market where it will go head to head with the equally prestigious Waterford Crystal.

The Co Fermanagh firm has invested £1.5 million (€2.19m) in launching a crystal stemware range which will be marketed under its contemporary Belleek Living brand.

Unlike Waterford Crystal, which manufactures its own glassware, Belleek is farming out manufacture to the Czech Republic in Eastern Europe.

The company will enter the market after seeing sales of the Belleek Living brand grow by 50% in the North and the Republic since the launch of the range in 2003.

Domestic retail sales in 2005-2006 amounted to over £5 million (€7.31m) and the range represents over 40% of Belleek’s overall worldwide sales.

Managing director John Maguire said the company was very excited about their new product.

“Belleek Living Crystal will enable us to further penetrate the wedding gift market which in the UK alone is estimated to be worth over £300 million [€439m] annually,” he said.