The recent sunny weather resulted in Tesco’s ice cream sales increasing by 50% compared to the same time last year and now Tesco have launched a new range of premium ice cream produced by Lakeland Dairies.

Tesco is forecasting sales of up €1m over the next year for Lakeland Dairies in Tesco stores between ice-cream, milk and butter products.

Tesco’s new ice cream range is packaged in 500ml tubs with flavours including salted caramel, cookie dough and rockie road.

Dermot Farrell, General Manager for Lakeland Dairies said that developing mutually beneficial business relationships is the key to successfully enabling category growth.

“We are delighted to be working with Tesco and I am confident that the forthcoming Bord Bia development programme will result in long term growth opportunities,” he said.

John Brennan, Tesco Ireland said that the recent good weather resulted in a 50% increase in ice cream sales compared to the same fortnight last year.

“We are committed to working with local Irish suppliers to build their business with Tesco here in Ireland, the UK and in other global markets.

“We’re delighted to announce that Lakeland Dairies will be joining the export level of this year’s Tesco Bord Bia Supplier development programme that will be launching soon opening the door for Lakeland Dairies to start discussing opportunities with our colleagues in Tesco UK,” Brennan said.

Lakeland Dairies will this year be joining the Tesco Supplier Development Programme in association with Bord Bia. 2015 is the fourth year of the retail programme that aims to help food and drink companies achieve sustainable growth at multiple retail levels.