ARMAGH and Tyrone manufacturer Mackle Petfoods has credited the new post-Brexit protocol arrangements for a surge in online sales since January.
The company, which operates from sites in Charlemont and Moygashel, recorded sales of £20.9 million last year for its Naturo range across both online and in store.
Mackle said an increase in families owning pets during the first lockdown contributed to its best year to date.
But the pet food firm said online sales had surged since the end of Brexit transition period, increasing by 64 per cent since the start of 2021, with customers seemingly switching to its locally-made range.
Mackle said its website recorded 85,000 new visits since December 31 2020.
Brand manager Lauren Toal said: “Since March 2020, the increase in families with pets has definitely made demand for the Naturo brand more popular, and the brand had its best year to date, surpassing all targets set.
“Naturally we were thrilled with this, however since Brexit, this has taken an even bigger leap with a 64 per cent increase in sales online alone.
“We are attributing this to a number of factors: More ‘new’ first time pet owners purchasing Naturo, and more pet owners who previously bought other brands, now purchasing Naturo because we deliver UK and Ireland wide, to their door via our website.
"Brexit has been wonderful for our online business to date," she said.
