Tesco Northern Ireland has added 22 locally made bakery products to shelves this summer, expanding its range with new breads, cakes, traybakes and sweet treats from suppliers across the region.

The retailer said more than half of its bakery range is now locally sourced, following the addition of 118 local products over the past three years. Local suppliers now account for 58 per cent of Tesco NI’s bakery range, rising to 86 per cent across bread lines.

The new products come from Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown, Ashers Baking Company in Newtownabbey, Bertie’s Bakery in Magherafelt, Holmes Bakery in Craigavon and Rosie’s Bakes in Banbridge.

Ben McFadden, bakery buying manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, said: “Our customers are always keen to find much-loved locally sourced products in store. Our new summer bakery range will give customers even more great tasting, quality products from NI bakers.

“Local is at the heart of what we do at Tesco Northern Ireland. Alongside growing our range with our long-standing partners, we’re also creating opportunities for more local producers to introduce their fantastic products to our customers across the region.”

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Portadown-based Irwin’s Bakery, which has supplied Tesco NI since its first Northern Ireland store opened in 1996, is launching Fibre+ White and Wholemeal loaves, as well as Howell’s Lemon Joeys across 35 large Tesco stores in the region.

“Our relationship with Tesco NI has always been built on a shared commitment to quality, freshness and local choice,” commented Irwin’s Bakery’s senior national account manager Gary Martin.

“As shopper needs continue to change, we’re focused on developing products that deliver both taste and relevance. We’re delighted to continue growing this partnership and bringing new locally baked products to customers across Northern Ireland.”

Ashers Baking Company, founded in Ballyclare in 1993 and now based in Newtownabbey, is supplying lines including Canadian Sourdough Bread, Cinnamon Swirls, Chocolate Sponge Slices and Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Bertie’s Bakery in Magherafelt is introducing Lemon Layer Cake, Crème Layer Cake, Square Crèmes, Chocolate Chip & Orange Pancakes and Lunch Box Sliders.

Holmes Bakery in Craigavon is adding traybakes and sweet treats including Triple Choc Brownie, Milk Choc Rocky Road, Bakewell Flapjack and Blueberry Frangipane.

New supplier Rosie’s Bakes is launching its NutriLean Energy Pancakes range in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland, with Salted Caramel, Raspberry & White Chocolate and Blueberry & White Choc Chip flavours.