FDBusiness.com

The fresh bread element of Gallagher’s Bakery in Ardara, County Donegal, has been saved from closure following its acquisition by managing director Declan Gallagher for an undisclosed amount. Declan Gallagher sold the family-owned bakery in 2007 to IAWS Group, now part of international bakery group Aryzta.

Last month Aryzta announced that it was closing the frozen bread section of Gallagher’s Bakery, with the loss of 124 jobs, and putting the fresh bread business up for sale. Increasingly difficult market conditions, increased commodity costs and declining sales were blamed for the decision.

In buying back the fresh bread business, Declan Gallagher expects to ensure the survival of up to 70 jobs. “I felt a social responsibility to do it for the area. It is my full intention to grow this business over the next number of years and increase employment,” he says. “We have a strong brand locally.” The Gallagher’s brand is well known in the north west of Ireland.