Cork-based organic food company to create 36 jobs

MORE than 30 jobs are to be created at a Cork-based organic food company to coincide with the development of a product being described as the ‘holy grail’ of the gluten-free industry.

Bandon-based Heron Quality Foods – a manufacturing plant which specialises in healthy organic products – has created a gluten-free fresh bread which it is claimed may rival conventional wheat-based brands.

Company director Elizabeth Dawson developed the ready-to-eat low-fat loaf that contains fresh ingredients and is claimed to last 12 days before staling and over a month before showing signs of mould.

Heron managing director John Dawson said: “What we have developed is a high-quality product that is as close in taste to ordinary wheat bread as possible, as well as being significantly lower in fat than some other brands – I believe it is the holy grail of the gluten-free industry.

“Discussions are currently under way with a major Irish distributor and it is hoped that the bread will be on the supermarket shelves by early January,” he added.

He said the products will lead to the creation of approximately 36 new jobs in the Bandon and Timoleague areas over the next year.

Heron Quality Foods is estimating a turnover in excess of €2.3 million in 2011 and €3.3m in 2012, with exports making up 75% to 80% of turnover.

“It is a bit of good news in difficult times for Ireland,” added Mr Dawson.