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.