FOOD-to-go manufacturer Deli Lites says it is planning a multi-million pound investment as part of a strategy to support growth internationally.
Ulster Bank is now supporting the Warrenpoint firm with its business banking needs and providing additional funding facilities to accelerate growth in its food-to-go ranges over the next five years.
Run by husband and wife entrepreneurs Brian and Jackie Reid , Deli Lites employs close to 300 people, supplying a range of 20 million food products a year to a retailers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Costa.
The company has earmarked a significant investment for the implementation of new technologies to maximise sales, including further investment in research and innovation as well as capital projects at its headquarters to support automation and sustainability, a key focus for the food-to-go manufacturer.
Chief executive Brian Reid said: “Despite the challenges the sector faced in 2020, our retail business and export markets remained strong.
“We aim to further develop our international business where we see significant opportunities. We are entering an exciting period in our growth story and are ready to showcase what an Irish producer can do on the world stage.”
Caroline McKeown, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank, said: “We're pleased to support Deli Lites as it enters an exciting period of high growth. Understanding the company’s current market position and its growth aspirations, we developed a financial package that caters for its routine business banking needs as well as providing the funding injection required to capitalise on huge export market potential.
“We look forward to working closely with its passionate management team whose vision for the business is now within reach through this new partnership.”
