FDBusiness.com

Pinkfinch, a County Down-based fruit snacks supplier, has secured a major contract with Tesco Ireland, which will see an estimated 100,000 bags sold annually. From launching his business in his parent’s spare bedroom five years ago,  Pinkfinch founder Michael Heaslip (pictured) has grown his innovative product line across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East,  with distribution warehouses in Ireland and the UK.

Pinkfinch flavours selected by Tesco include Green Bean & Sugar Snap Pea, Banana, and Apple. All of which are unique to the European market, and contain real fruit that has undergone a vacuum-crisping process. Before launching his business, Michael Heaslip committed to creating a healthy, innovative product, which tastes great.

After three years of research and product development, which saw Michael Heaslip travel the world in search of the perfect manufacturing process, Pinkfinch fruit and veggie crisps hit the shelves. Within weeks Green Bean and Sugar Snap Pea won a Great Taste Award and was shortlisted in the Sial Paris Innovation Selection 2018.

“The ultimate aim was to develop a healthier crisp, one which could contribute to the five-a-day diet recommendation. We developed a unique cooking process that maintains the taste qualities of the fruits and vegetables,” Michael Heaslip explains. “This means, for example, that they are a more appealing snack for children. Mums that couldn’t convince their children to eat fruit and vegetables are sending us messages thanking us on social media. They are real fruit, are gluten-free and high in fibre. It was also essential to us that we had a product that was innovative and tastes great, in that regard we are unrivalled in the market.”

He continues: “The business with Tesco Ireland and listing in 118 stores marks a significant chapter of growth in our business. Tesco Ireland was the first major multiple to list, and we are determined to grow the business with them and make the listing a success.”

Commercial Director at Tesco Ireland, Joe Manning says: “We’re thrilled to bring the award-winning Pinkfinch range of fruit crisps to our Irish customers, across our stores and online. Innovation is a key focus in everything we do, and our teams are very passionate about continuing to develop our offering with the best range of products in the Irish market. Pinkfinch is a great example of a healthy, innovative product that also tastes amazing and we are sure that our customers will love these deliciously unique new snacks.”

Pinkfinch fruit crisps are available now in Tesco Ireland and multiple major retailers in Belgium and Germany.