By SAM BUTLER
Draynes Ice Cream in Lisburn has won its first sales in the Republic of Ireland that will see the family farm-based enterprise supply a chain of luxurious hotels and several restaurants in the Dublin area.
The company has won business for a range of luxury ice creams and sorbets, including retail packs following its participation in a major trade show in Dublin.
John Drayne, who now runs the farm’s highly successful ice cream business, says: “We are extremely excited to deliver our products to high-end hospitality customers in what is a new market.
“We look forward to establishing a strong presence in the region.
“Our presence at the CATEX trade show in Dublin last month for the catering sector in Ireland was instrumental in giving us excellent exposure to the Republic of Ireland market.
“We had the opportunity to connect with potential customers and buyers in person and showcase our ice cream through samples.
“The new customers we acquired in Dublin are a direct result of our participation in the show. “Our plan is to further develop sales in the Republic by working closely with our distributors to boost our presence in this important region.
“To achieve this we will focus on delivering to central Dublin using our own fleet, taking advantage of the easy access now provided by the M1 motorway.
“We will also support our distributors in expanding deliveries to greater Dublin and the rest of the Republic,” adds John, who supervises the processing of rich dairy ice cream and sorbets at the ultra-modern creamery on the family farm. The enterprising company’s current product range in the Republic includes popular five-litre ‘Napolis’, as well as retail packs available in 125ml and one litre sizes.
“We take pride in crafting a diverse selection of 13 ice cream flavours and two sorbets, with even more in development.
“For the retail packs, customers can choose from five different flavours in the 125ml range and six in the one litre range,” adds John. John grew up on the 300-acre farm and loves working with its 250-strong herd, including around 150 milkers, of Holstein Friesian cattle known for high quality milk output.
The herd also includes Angus bulls. The performance and health of the herd are closely monitored by a sophisticated computer system and the dedication of its management and employees.
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