MANCHESTER, UK, 2016-Jan-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — A Conwy-based master butcher has seen the New Year get off to a “sizzling” start after winning a contract to supply more than 160 Co-op food stores across Wales with its award winning sausages and burgers.
Edwards of Conwy anticipates a sales boost of up to 15 percent and could create up to three new jobs as a result of the deal with the Co-op which will see it supply an estimated 1.5 million sausages this year.
In addition to its traditional thick pork sausages – made to an award winning 30 year-old recipe, Edwards, which is based in Conwy, North Wales, will also supply its Welsh beef steak burgers to the community retailer.
Simon James, Managing Director of Edwards of Conwy, said:
“It’s great news, very exciting and our first contract of this scale with a convenience retailer. It opens up new and important markets for us.
“Because of our shared community-based values we are proud to supply the Co-op and satisfy the increasing demand for our locally produced, high quality produce by bringing a part of our award winning butchers shop to Co-op stores across Wales.
“Both our links with Welsh farming and the creation of employment and training opportunities for local people are important to us and our work with the Co-op will further support this.”
Simon Dryell, Ranging Manager for the Co-op’s food stores in Wales, said:
“Edwards of Conwy is a great Welsh success story. We both have a heritage of supporting our communities along with a passion for great food so we are delighted to be working closely with them. Our convenience stores are located in the heart of Welsh communities and this is a further step in the Co-op’s commitment to offering more locally sourced produce conveniently.”
Ieuan Edwards, a farmer’s son from the Conwy valley, served his Butchers apprenticeship in the market town of Llanrwst, before successfully completing courses in artisan butchery methods in both Switzerland and Holland. He opened his butchers shop at the age of 20 in 1984 and now employs over 60 staff.
SOURCE: Co-operative Group Limited
Further information:
Andrew Torr
The Co-op Press Office
Tel: 07702 505 551
Email: andrew.torr@co-operative.coop