Northern Ireland fresh vegetable packer Sparky Pac has launched new brand Dig In, focusing exclusively on local produce.
Sparky Pac supplies Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Spar and decided to start Northern Ireland’s first dedicated vegetable brand celebrating locality and seasonality after research showed a demand for guaranteed local products.
The new Dig In carrots and parsnips are packed in 1kg and 500g transparent bags, and in a 500g mixed tray.
Gwen McKee, Sparky Pac’s marketing director said Dig In was designed to make it easier for people here to buy local.
“We decided to take this step, quite an investment for the business, because of approaches from shoppers asking us about where products are grown,” she said.
“Our carrots and parsnips are all grown by us near our processing plant. Currently we have 250 acres planted with carrots and parsnips and a further 200 acres in other vegetables including Savoy cabbages, caulis and sweetheart cabbage.
“Our message to shoppers is that our carrots and parsnips are grown ‘just up the road’ and are packed fresh. Another important feature of the Dig In range will be its seasonality which means they will only be on the shelves during the growing seasons. Dig In will not be available at any other times.
“This commitment is designed to reinforce the trust of consumers in the quality and freshness of our products and to help them to support and celebrate local growers.”
Sparky Pac, a family owned and managed business, has a heritage of growing its own vegetables stretching back over 30 years.
