Wedges n' Bacon Stir Fry ­ intended as a meal in itself ­ is the most unusual product in the three-strong range, but classic Potato Rings and Potato Cakes made from an old family recipe with parsley and nutmeg also feature. Potato Fingers and Deep-filled Jackets are available in Ireland.
MD Rita Ahern, who lends her name to the brand, said the aim was to get away from reconstituted potato flake and use 100% traceable Irish ingredients. "People depend on convenience foods," she said. "But they also want to enjoy a proper home-made taste." A graduate in food science with a background in food technology and marketing with Kerry Foods, Dairygold and Silver Pail, Ahern set up Greenacres in 1994. The business is set to exceed turnover of E3.5m this year, and supplies most Irish supermarkets and independents.
It turned its attention to the UK because, said Ahern, the market was polarised between own label commodities and heavily advertised brands, with communication targeted primarily at children. It offered an opportunity to introduce adult-oriented snacks, party foods and meal accompaniments. There are likely to be more launches here but Ahern won't be stopping at that as Germany and the US are the next markets in her sights.

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