ALDI Ireland has extended its contract with poultry producer Manor Farm for a further year.
The deal is worth €24m to the Co Cavan-based chicken producer, which employs more than 900 people.
Manor Farm, based in Shercock, said the renewed contract with ALDI will support its investment in both capacity and automation, and will enhance its operational efficiency and support further growth of its farming and production base.
Manor Farm has been producing Irish chicken since 1775 and has been a partner of ALDI Ireland since 2011.
It said the extension of the partnership reflects a long-standing relationship and is a recognition of the highest quality Irish poultry supplied to ALDI's 162 stores across Ireland.
As part of the new contract, Manor Farm will continue supplying a diverse range of products to ALDI, including the premium private label Higher Welfare Free Range Whole Chicken product.
It will also introduce a number of new products at ALDI, including a Specially Selected Festive and Dressed Chicken launching in stores this December in time for Christmas.
Cathal Garvey, CEO of Manor Farm said the company has been in existence since 1775, producing chickens for several generations with select farmers.
"All our chicken is 100% Irish and fed with feed from our very own nutrition centre. We are proud to supply ALDI with chickens that are born, bred, and reared in Ireland," he added.
Peter Bough, Buying Director at ALDI Ireland, said the new €24m investment is testament to Manor Farm's dedication to quality and innovation.
"Since we opened our first store in Ireland in 1999, ALDI has invested more than €10 billion with Irish suppliers and we currently work with a network of more than 330 Irish producers," Mr Bough added.
He said that ALDI is committed to ensuring that its range of high-quality poultry is certified by the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, meeting the highest standards for welfare.
"Manor Farm shares our commitment to this mission, and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with an exceptional range of Irish, sustainably sourced poultry products through this partnership," he added.
Fiona Twomey, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia, said the enhanced supply partnership between Manor Farm and ALDI is a strong testament to the importance of the Bord Bia Quality Mark and its prominent position with retailers such as ALDI.
"ALDI's customers can be reassured that Quality Assured Manor Farm chicken comes from local poultry producers who work hard to maintain the highest standards under the Bord Bia Quality Assurance programme," she added.
