Food firm reports 12% sales growth boosted by exports to Britain, Italy

FOOD producer Cuinneog has reported sales growth of 12% for 2010, boosted by new export growth in Britain and Italy.

Cuinneog’s plans for this year include expanding further into Britain, and breaking into the French market. The Mayo-based producer of Irish Farmhouse Country Butter and Buttermilk has also enjoyed increased sales in Irish outlets.

Cuinneog founder Tom Butler said: “We are proud of this level of growth in such challenging times. Cuinneog products are now on sale in two of the UK retailers, Waitrose and ASDA, making the butter and buttermilk available in the UK, as well as all over Ireland of course. We’re fortunate to have the capacity to increase production to meet these new market demands.”

Tom and Sheila Butler set up Cuinneog in 1990 at Shraheens, Balla, Castlebar, Co Mayo. The family were already producing farmhouse butter and buttermilk for their own use, so starting an artisan business was a natural way to supplement their farm income. The company employs eight people.

Cuinneog can be found in all major retail groups including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Superquinn, Supervalu, Costcutters and Euro Spar. Artisan shops throughout the country carry Cuinneog products.

Recent awards for Cuinneog include a coveted Great Taste Gold Award for its Farmhouse Butter and an EirGrid Euro-Toques Food award.

Euro-Toques Ireland, part of the European Community of Chefs and Cooks, presents annual Food Awards honouring food producers or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Irish food.