, owners of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA and VIVO Essentials brands in Northern Ireland are
THE family-run Henderson Group is celebrating its biggest success yet in the Great Taste Awards after five of its locally created own-brand desserts appeared on this year’s list, with two gaining two-star status, and three gaining one-star.
The two-star awards were for its Kitchen range sticky toffee pudding and bread & butter pudding, while single-star gongs went to the range's chocolate sponge pudding, Bramley Apple crumble and rhubarb crumble.
Each of the products was created in collaboration with Henderson’s Fresh Team and Davison’s Puds, based in Portadown.
Fresh foods director Neal Kelly, says these are exceptional accolades and says the proof is literally in the pudding.
“Our range of fresh, local own-brand products are a credit to the time, tasting and delivery that goes in to creating them. We set our standards incredibly high, and ensure we are meeting and beating the highest tests for quality and taste.
“Provenance is a huge ingredient for our fresh products, which is why we collaborate with companies such as Davison’s Puds who can help us take this quality and taste to the next level.
“The entire team is honoured to have our biggest and best year yet at the Great Taste Awards.”
Judges of the 2019 Great Taste Awards described the products as “a very good example of a sticky toffee pudding”, “hugely appealing”, and “very decadent - truly delicious”.
The products are part of the ‘Desserts by The Kitchen’ range which was launched last November in partnership with local bakeries, an extension of The Kitchen range of fresh and convenient meals.
The Kitchen brand has grown extensively in the past three years since its launch, and now carries more than 70 products made by nine local suppliers especially for Henderson Wholesale.
The ‘Desserts by The Kitchen’ products join a list of local products available in all Spar, EuroSpar and Vivo branded stores including Irwin’s Bakery breads and Dale Farm’s Dromona cheese and butter.
Mr Kelly added: “Northern Ireland has once again proven its foodie credentials and we’re delighted to be among the best in the business.”
