Lidl Ireland has announced a new two year €6m deal with Cork-based Hassett's Bakery.
The new deal will see the family-run business supply Lidl's network of 175 stores across Ireland with a brand-new chilled cake and dessert range.
The Rachel H's range, created by Hassett's Bakery, is now available in Lidl stores nationwide as part of the retailer's everyday listed range.
Hassett's agreed its first deal with Lidl in 2020, which saw the bakery supply a handcrafted vanilla gateau to the retail chain.
The new deal will see the addition of four chilled cakes to Lidl stores nationwide, including a Vanilla & Custard Slice, Coffee Cream Slice, Jam & Cream Donut and Chocolate Cream Éclair.
Founder Michael Hassett developed a passion for baking during his time working across Europe in the early 1980s. On returning to Ireland, Michael started his own wholesale bakery in Douglas, Cork.
Such was the demand for Hassett's' artisan bread and confectionary, Michael opened up his own shop in 1988, and seven years later, he expanded into the nearby town of Carrigaline.
Noreen Foley, Business Manager at Hassett's Bakery said, the company was delighted to work with Lidl to develop this exclusive new range of chilled cakes and desserts.
"Through Lidl's ongoing investment in our business, we have had the opportunity to upscale production and make substantial investments in our business operations," Ms Foley said.
"We have created new jobs in the locality and have increased our workforce with eight recent hires. We look forward to an developing this partnership into the future and have a variety of exciting new seasonal products in the pipeline," she added.
Stephanie Walsh, Senior Buyer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said the retailer was more than ever committed to investing in local partners, including Hassett's.
"The quality and taste of their products is a true testament to their passion to provide the best handcrafted confectionary on a daily basis. We are proud to work with the best local producers, and by working with Hassett's we are guaranteed their incredibly talented team take time to source the best ingredients locally, delivering quality and innovative baking and confectionery products every day," she added.
