Colin Ferguson, Head of Sales at White’s Oats said the company was seeking to build on the momentum of its debut at the 2025 show, which delivered new partnerships and commercial opportunities.

“White’s is seeking to demonstrate its capability and capacity as an innovative partner within the growing oat market,” said Colin.

“Our presence at the show in 2025 led to new international partnerships within the burgeoning global oat market and supported by recent investment in our new manufacturing facility in Co. Armagh.

“The team is excited to be returning to PLMA for a second year. It is an important platform for connecting with existing partners across the retail and foodservice sector and plays a key role in supporting our growth ambitions with new buyers and prospects.”

White’s returns to PLMA with strong investment headwinds and an innovative pipeline of customer-led products. Its portfolio spans traditional porridge oats, organic oats alongside high-growth formats including fibre and protein oats, real-fruit porridges and gluten-free ranges, with further development underway in steel-cut oats and muesli, aligned to evolving customer needs.

Oats are no longer seen as simply a breakfast staple used in porridge oats, reflecting the rising shift towards healthier dietary choices both in and out of the home and the strong market outlook. With the growing awareness surrounding the health benefits of oats, including fibre and protein, the oats market is forecasted to continue to grow at over 6% CAGR over the next five years to 2031.

Each product is developed in close collaboration with customers and consumers, combining deep technical expertise, consumer insights and a focus on commercial success across multiple markets. Building on strong engagement from last year’s show, White’s is now focused on deepening partnerships and converting new opportunities into long-term growth.

PLMA 2026 will also mark the first public reveal of White’s corporate rebrand, a confident step forward reflecting its focus on partnership, innovation and long-term growth, while remaining rooted in its oat heritage. The refreshed visual identity comes at a pivotal time for the business, following significant investment in increased capacity and capability to support future expansion.

“PLMA is a key platform for White’s to connect with partners across the private label and branded sectors and support our growth ambitions,” added Colin.

“With 185 years of experience in oats and oat milling, we combine heritage with technical know-how and the ability to deliver commercially relevant solutions at pace.

“Private label continues to evolve, and customers are looking for partners who understand category dynamics, respond quickly to market trends and deliver consistent quality at scale, and that is where White’s has built a strong reputation.

White’s Oats will exhibit at PLMA World of Private Label, RAI Amsterdam, hall 14.M35 from 19^th to 20^th May as part of the Invest Northern Ireland showcase. Retailers and brands are invited to meet the team to explore new opportunities across private label oat and cereal categories.

The post White’s set to bring proven oat innovation to PLMA 2026 first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

For every pack of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ purchased, Heinz will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs as well as their family support programmes, helping to provide vital support to vulnerable children and families in Ireland.

The re-launch follows new research commissioned by Heinz exploring the pressures of modern life on family mealtimes, revealing that 88% of kids in Ireland crave family connection during mealtimes, but instead many are distracted by phones or watching TV, highlighting the importance of family connection and a sense of belonging among children in Ireland.

Look out for the new-look ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ three-packs in major retailers including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi, and select convenience stores throughout August and September.

RRP: €3.59 (pricing at the discretion of individual retailers).

The post Heinz and Barnardos launch limited-edition ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz three-packs first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Some 89% of Usdaw members voted in favour of industrial action across three days, starting Tuesday 29^th April.

The planned strikes affect sites at Corby and Burton Latimer and will take place as follows:

• Corby Flake, at the Corby site, a 48-hour stoppage from 6am on 29^th April to 5.59am on 1^st May.
• Corby Extruded, at the Corby site, a 48-hour stoppage from 6am on 30^th April to 5.59am on 2^nd May.
• For Hot Oat Cereal, at the Corby site, a 24-hour stoppage from 6pm on 29^th April to 5.59pm on 30^th April.
• For AP1, AP2, AP6 and AP7 (excluding AP7 V Line), at the Burton Latimer site, a 48-hour stoppage from 7am on 29^th April to 6.59am on 1^st May.
• For AP7 V Line, at the Burton Latimer site, a 24-hour stoppage from 7am on 29^th April to 6.59am on 30^th April.
• For Alpen, at the Burton Latimer site, a 24-hour stoppage from 7am on 29^th April to 6.59am on 30^th April.

Usdaw called on the company to improve their pay offer to avoid the planned strikes.

“The union has been in negotiations with the company in attempts to reach a settlement offer that we could recommend to our members for acceptance. However, these negotiations did not achieve that,” said Usdaw regional secretary Gavin Dadley.

“Having given the company notice of three days of industrial action, we regret that management have no improved sufficiently on the initial pay offer, which our members have rejected.”

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This delicious new offering promises to elevate mealtimes with its irresistible crisp texture and wholesome flavour.

Made from the finest potatoes, Skin-On Wedges are lightly steamed and gently fried until they are perfectly crisp, locking in the natural goodness of the potato and providing a savoury snack or side dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

With their deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior, these wedges offer the perfect balance of taste and texture, making them an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a tasty treat on their own.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Skin-On Wedges as part of our commitment to delivering high-quality, ready-to-eat vegetable options,” said Lance Hamilton, CCO at Mash Direct.

CONVENIENT ALTERNATIVE

“Our new wedges are a nod to the growing trend of simple, yet delicious, comfort foods. They are a convenient and tasty addition to any kitchen, offering families and busy individuals an easy way to enjoy a flavourful side-dish.”

With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, Mash Direct understands the importance of offering quick and easy solutions without compromising on taste. Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a quick snack, the Skin-On Wedges provide a versatile and mouth-watering option that everyone can enjoy. Their delicious crunch and natural potato flavour are sure to make them a new favourite in kitchens nationwide.

The new Skin-On Wedges are now available in stores across the UK and Ireland, offering a perfect, convenient alternative for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime. You can find them in major retailers including SPAR and EUROSPAR making it easier than ever to enjoy this delicious side dish.

For more information on where to pick up a pack, visit the Mash Direct website, where you’ll find an up to date where to buy list to guide you to your nearest retailer.

To find out more about Skin-on Wedges and Mash Direct’s full range of products, visit www.mashdirect.com

The post Mash Direct launches new Skin-On Wedges first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

For the first time, the report includes £56 million worth of services procured by the retailer in Northern Ireland.

The report also reveals that the retailer procured goods from more than 60 local agri-food suppliers, including Gilfresh, Wilson’s Country, Dale Farm, Moy Park, Crust & Crumb, WD Meats, Foyle Foods and more. £69 million of these goods were sold in Lidl stores across Northern Ireland, with over 75% (£404 million) shipped outside the region to Lidl’s expansive network of stores in Great Britain, Europe and internationally.

Alongside Lidl’s established network of suppliers across the region, the retailer’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme supports small and medium-sized local producers to boost their brand, enhance their supply and reach new customer audiences. Backed by the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association (NIFDA), Lidl has invested more than £2 million in showcasing the innovative homegrown produce of local suppliers in its stores across the island of Ireland through Kickstart since 2018.

Ivan Ryan, Regional Managing Director, Lidl Northern Ireland said: “Each year, our Impact Report highlights our longstanding commitment to supporting our entire network of local suppliers – both established and aspiring – to grow and develop by showcasing the very best of their produce at home in Northern Ireland, and in thousands of our stores across Great Britain and Ireland and as far as Romania, Greece and Cyprus.

“This year, we are also pleased to showcase our valued business partners who make our business what it is behind the scenes and are very much seen as an extension of our business in Northern Ireland.

“As we approach the end of our 25^th year in Northern Ireland, I am extremely proud of the ever-growing contribution Lidl Northern Ireland continues to make to the local agri-food industry through our supplier partnerships and initiatives such as Kickstart.”

Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland added: “Our market-leading growth in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years is testament to our long-established business model focused on investing in our local supplier network and bringing high quality, locally sourced fresh produce at great value to more than half-a-million shoppers across the region each week.

“Our sustained business performance allows us to continue investing in expanding our local supplier network as well as our network of stores in the region which, currently is at 42 stores, and will see further significant growth in the next 12 months.

“In parallel with our ambitious plans to expand our footprint across Northern Ireland, we will grow our support for local farmers, growers and producers as we continue to champion the region and promote its unrivalled food and drink credentials through our global store network.”

The Impact Report launch coincides with the publication of Lidl Northern Ireland’s financial results for the 23/24 period which recorded turnover of £496 million. Much of this has been re-invested locally to support Lidl’s ambitious expansion plans, including a new flagship store in Boucher Road in Belfast which opened in September and future store openings in Carryduff and Stewartstown.

As the retailer marked its 25^th anniversary in the region this year, a major economic report revealed that it contributed a record £360 million into the local economy in 2023 – doubling its annual economic contribution over the past five years – and supporting almost 7,000 jobs right across the region. Lidl Northern Ireland has powered through almost a quarter of a century with its high-quality, low-price proposition, and has firmly embedded itself as a local brand committed to supplying fresh, home-grown produce at outstanding quality and value.

The post Lidl NI announces £530m worth of goods and services procured from local suppliers first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.