The gloom and doom that has assailed the mushroom industry for the past few years was banished, at least slightly, by the official announcement that the Sainsbury's order was going to Irish companies North and South.
The confirmed deal means that Sainsbury's will be increasing the volume of mushrooms sourced from Northern Ireland producers by 50% in the next 12 months according to the retailer. It's a much needed shot in the arm for the local industry, for certain. Stalker wonders though if it has come just a little late.
Happily, Dungannon based K Hughes and Co will be supplying £8 million worth of mushrooms under the new one year contract.
Doubly happy is Monaghan, who will be supplying Sainsbury's too; they have negotiated a whopping £20 million contract with the UK multiple.
Even though the news is good, the industry still seems to be contracting. Reports of another phase II compost unit shutting down operations feels like just one more kick in the teeth for the local industry in the North.
Here's hoping the outlook gets brighter, as the mega-deal would suggest.
