The €117m Irish pork sector is set to gain from Supervalu’s new premium 100% Irish pork range – the Supervalu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Pork.
At last week’s National Ploughing Championships, the retailer launched a new fully traceable Irish pork range with the aid of Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Creed said the Irish agri-food industry has played a crucial role in Ireland’s economic recovery and innovation will be key in ensuring it continues to do so.
“This initiative by Supervalu, McCarren Meats and Oliver Carty, represents an important development in bolstering the Irish pork market – further showcasing the quality and versatility of Irish pork meat to the consumer, and nurturing this important indigenous industry,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch, Supervalu’s Trading Director, Eamon Howell said that retailer aims to boost pork sales with the Supervalu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Pork Range.
“We are pleased to partner with McCarren Meats and Oliver Carty – meat producers who together have combined experience in the pork industry of over 200 years – to bring a premium, Irish pork product to consumers which will provide a unique dining experience no matter what the occasion,” he said.
Luke Bogue, pig farmer from Ballineagh, Co. Cavan and supplier of Supervalu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Pork, added that this is an excellent opportunity to promote Irish pork.
“This is a fantastic boost for the Irish pork industry.
I have built a business that employs 40 people by focusing on quality, with the welfare of our pigs of paramount importance to us.
“This premium range draws on traditional, time-honoured pig rearing techniques to deliver the very best in flavour.
“We are delighted that through this initiative Supervalu is helping us to promote Irish pork to a larger audience,” he said.