Blackthorn Foods, the Belfast-based fudge and toffee manufacturer, has been selected to join the Tesco Artisan Programme

The Tesco Artisan Programme is an initiative aimed at giving local Northern Irish artisan producers the support and capacity to grow their business by providing a opportunity to engage with members of the public, showcase and sell their products in store.

Blackthorn Foods joined the Tesco Artisan programme following the recent launch of its new free-from range of fudges. The rise in free-food food demonstrates consumers’ increasing desire for healthier alternatives, and seeing this gap in the market, Blackthorn Foods launched a range of fudges that are gluten-free, non dairy and soya-free. These new fudges come in four flavours: Madagascan Vanilla; Chocolate; Stem Ginger and Chocolate; and Chocolate and Orange. They come in 90g packs and are marketed under the company’s Melting Pot brand. As part of the Tesco Artisan Programme, these products will be available to sample in-store at key dates throughout the year.

Dorothy Bittles, director of Blackthorn Foods, said: “We saw a developing opportunity for a range of products that are made without dairy, gluten and soya, and decided to invest in creating products to meet this demand. We are a family-run company producing award-winning fudge made in small batches so the opportunity to be involved in the Tesco Artisan Programme has given us the platform to reach an audience that would be difficult to reach on our own”

 “Response to the new range has been immensely encouraging and we are particularly excited about giving customers the opportunity to trial our new non dairy fudge as this latest product innovation was inspired by a family member who became lactose intolerant – we believe everyone should have the opportunity to have a little indulgence in their life!”

The Tesco Artisan Programme in store tastings will take place in select Tesco Stores throughout the year. For more information about this opportunity, please PM us at facebook.com/tastenorthernireland. Please note SALSA accreditation is the minimum requirement to participate.