Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Bolognese image via Shutterstock
Horsemeat
Convenience food sales up for Greencore despite horsemeat scandal
The firm, run by Minister Simon Coveney’s brother, was caught up in the scandal when one of its products was found to have equine DNA.
CONVENIENCE FOOD PRODUCER Greencore, which is run by Minister Simon Coveney’s brother Patrick, has announced an increase in revenue for the last six and a half months, despite being caught up in the horsemeat scandal.
Group revenue for the period was £572.9 million, an increase of 0.9 per cent with convenience foods revenue seeing the greatest rise of 1.8 per cent at £542.1 million.
In the midst of the horsemeat scandal, equine DNA was found in one of the beef products supplied by the firm and sold in Asda. The company assured customers at the time that it would carry out a full investigation to determine how its supply chain came to be compromised.
Today, CEO Patrick Coveney said the “severe pressure” on the UK retail environment was exacerbated by the horsemeat scandal which has temporarily driven the ready meals market lower.
However he said the company remains confident in its ability to deliver growth for the financial year.
In total, the company’s profits were up 6.3 per cent and it also rolled out a range of to go foods in Starbucks outlets across the US.
have your say