Congratulations to our member, Newry-based Crillys Sweets who have secured a new contract, valued at £250,000 for the first year which will see their extensive range of sweets on sale across China.
This deal is the second significant bit of business there in the past 18 months and will see the company’s successful confectionary range go on sale, particularly in pick and mix outlets which are popular with customers there.
Crilly’s Sweets have been based in Newry since it was established in 1974 and is the only manufacturer of quality boiled sweets in Ireland and among just three in the UK.
The family-owned and managed business, has also just invested in new production and wrapping machinery to enable it to increase substantially its output of sweets.
The new business is a substantial boost for the ambitious and progressive family company as it seeks to grow business in China to around £1m over the next 12 months.
Speaking about how the new deal came to fruition, David Crilly, Director of Crilly’s Sweets said:
“We met representatives from our latest customers at one of a number of confectionary business shows we attend every year including a including a hugely successful event in Shanghai. They were interested in our range and enjoyed the quality and flavours of our products and subsequently visited Newry for a few days and our plant in Newry for further discussions.”
“As a result of these talks and a tour of the factory with the new high-speed production and wrapping machinery, they placed two significant orders on the days of their visits.”
The company currently employs 30 people in its Flagstaff factory and in addition to China, sells confectionary to leading retailers in Britain including discounters B&M, Poundland and also exports to the Republic of Ireland, the US, Australia, Germany, Italy, France and the Czech Republic.