Monaghan egg business signs retail deal with M&S
Co. Monaghan-based Connolly’s Eggs, a free-range producer, has announced a new partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S).
The retail chain has officially launched Connolly’s Free Range Large Eggs across all 16 M&S stores in Ireland.
According to M&S, this move "introduces premium Irish produce to customers nationwide", backed by the highest industry standards including Bord Bia, DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), Organic Trust, alongside a AA+ rating for Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) accreditation.
Connolly’s Eggs was founded in the early 1990s by married couple John-Joe and Veronica Connolly with a flock of 300 hens.
The couple are still heavily involved in the business, working alongside their sons Kevin and Brian.
The Connollys’ site features four purpose-built facilities designed specifically around the welfare of the hens.
The Connolly/M&S partnership was sparked by a meeting at the Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland.
'Ecstatically proud'
Kevin Connolly, quality manager for Connolly’s Eggs, said: “We are ecstatically proud to have secured the M&S market and to see our new packaging in-store.
“Irish people are rightfully proud of where their food comes from, and there is a huge appetite for local produce.
“We’ve always believed we have a first-class product, and it’s a fantastic feeling to know that M&S customers across Ireland will be bringing Connolly’s eggs home.”
Laura Harper, trading director for Ireland and Northern Ireland at Marks & Spencer, added: “At M&S, we are committed to supporting Irish farmers and sourcing locally whenever possible.
“Connolly’s Eggs stood out to us not only for their incredible family heritage and passion but for their uncompromising standards in animal welfare and quality.
“We know our customers look for the Bord Bia accreditation when they shop with us, and we are delighted to welcome Kevin, Brian, and the whole Connolly family into the M&S supply chain.”
