 |
 |
 |
Contact Us |
 |
 |
|
Options:
|
 |
| Craig foods was set up in 1969 by Mr D.S. Craig of Carrickfergus - better known as Sid. He had been working for McVities as a vansalesman when he noticed some Scottish products in the shops. He contacted the owner of the company and they met the following week. The owner of the business, David Irvine of Coatbridge and Mr.Craig struck up an immediate friendship, and to get the business going Mr.Irvine offered to lend him a little Viva van as there was little capital available initially. The products were very well received and Mr.Craig was soon able to buy the van. |
An example of the Vauxhall Viva Van |
The business grew and Mr.Craig added other products to the range, instead of being an agent, on the suggestion of the head buyer of Stewarts Supermarkets he decided on the trading name of Craig Foods. This allowed him to buy in a very wide range of cakes and biscuits under one brand name, giving him brand loyalty from both trade and consumer alike. Eventually Mr.Craig sold the business in the Mid '80's to John Henderson Ltd (Spar & VG Wholesalers) in Northern Ireland.
Mr Terence Harkness acquired the business on the 6th March 1989 from John Henderson Ltd, at that time a three van operation. Within a year an extra van was added as new calls developed. The following year premesis were bought in Pennybridge, Ballymena.
Within months their main competitor DM Crozier of Warrenpoint (also a three van operation) sold out to Terence giving him coverage of the North and a number of agents in the South. The company has a strong range of cakes under the Craig brand and has recently developed a continental bread range also under its Brand name.
In Northern Ireland a good skilled van sales team has been built with high calibre personnel. The business has been further enhanced by the introduction of hand held computers and the E.D.I facility.
The company has seen considerable growth particularly in the South of Ireland via a team of agents and distribution. Many central billing agreements have been put in place cutting down on paperwork for many shops. The contact name for our Southern Sales Manager is Pat Fahey who joined the company in the Autumn of 1999.
Craig foods purchased a Chilled Foods business in early 1997, however a decision was taken to concentrate on their cake business and so the Chilled Foods was sold in early 1999. A new logo and label was also developed to give a clear identity and further strengthen the brand.
Changes in the Northern Ireland Grocery Market
Over the years Craig Foods have developed very strong trading partnerships with a number of bakeries in Europe, in particular a number of Irish bakeries offering locally made products that have strong consumer demand in the market place. Craig Foods therefore helps meet the needs of local bakeries offering a strong range to the major supermarkets under a strong brand, offering Irish manufacturers and UK supermarkets the ability to trade throughout the British Isles.
- Northern Ireland Sales - high level of coverage through their own vansales team with merchandisers
- Southern Irish Sales with listings in most of the main supermarket groups in the South and distribution through a network of local agents.
- U.K. & Northern Ireland wholesale business
- Range of biscuits and confectionary and cakes aimed at Discount stores and other Wholesale outlets.
