FDBusiness.com

Freshways, Ireland’s largest sandwich maker. has been acquired in a management buyout from Kerry Foods by Diarmuid Shanahan and Garrett Fitzgerald. The business, which operates from a purpose built 60,000 sq. ft. production facility at Finglas, Dublin will continue to employ more than 170 staff following the deal. The facility produces 300,000 handmade sandwiches each week for customers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as manufacturing sandwich filler for delis and the convenience store market.

Freshways was founded in 1990 and is Ireland’s largest sandwich maker with one third of the Irish market. The company is a prominent supplier of branded and private label sandwiches to the major multiples, including convenience stores and forecourt retailers. In addition, Freshways supplies sandwiches for the retail market and is a major supplier of sandwiches to the food services and catering market, which includes workplaces, schools, colleges and hospitals. The company also supplies large-scale events such as race meetings and music and sporting events.

Diarmuid Shanahan, joint owner and sales and marketing director, says: “Since the MBO, we have employed a number of new staff members and have plans to recruit 50 additional staff in finance, sales & marketing, IT and operational roles in the next 12 months.”

He adds: “We hand-make our sandwiches in Dublin and we know our reputation depends on every single one. The Freshways team is constantly devising fresh new ideas to anticipate and meet the needs of consumers’ changing tastes as well as suiting their pockets. Our commitment to innovation is highlighted by the 130 fabulous and creative recipes in our range, with many more in development.”

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Pictured (L-R): Diarmuid Shanahan and Garrett Fitzgerald, the new co owners ofFreshways,Ireland’s largest sandwich maker.