Lynas taking over Supreme Foods as part of expansion

NORTHERN Ireland food service giant Lynas is to take over Co Down-based Supreme Foods as part of its retail expansion plans, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

The deal comes at a time when Lynas Foodservice is also planning to open its latest large warehouse in Bangor.

It’s expected the warehouse and new shop will create 10 to 12 jobs.

Despite being a small family-run business, Supreme Foods has built up a strong reputation in the east Belfast and north Down areas.

The firm is currently run by Kevin Storey and his daughter Michelle Bennett.

Mr Storey founded the company 34 years ago and had made a name in the local area supplying catering trade customers.

The business supplies chilled, ambient, frozen and fresh food to trade customers within a 30mile radius of its site in Bangor, and also has a small shop open to the public.

It’s understood the deal with Lynas builds on a relationship with the food giant spanning more than 20 years.

Mrs Bennett will continue to be involved in the business as its store manager.

A spokeswoman for Lynas said: “Supreme Foods have been a family-run business and so is Lynas Food Service, so the amalgamation truly is a perfect partnership.

“We are proud to say that Michelle Bennett and her staff will be joining the Lynas Food Outlet team.”

It comes as Lynas also plans to open a further 10 additional stores over the next five years, creating more than 100 jobs.

The Coleraine-based operation is a family-run food service and wholesale company that has been operating for more than 50 years.

The firm is now one of the biggest players in the Northern Ireland market.

According to its latest accounts, it has annual sales of more than £108m, and employs 375 people.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last month, bosses said they were preparing to invest in Bangor.

As part of the project, Lynas is also taking over a unit at West Circular Retail Park in the town.

The latest development will see the Bangor branch become its fifth shop in the region, with others based in Coleraine, Londonderry, Newry and Belfast.

Chairman Norman Lynas was recently rewarded an OBE.