Northern Irish food-to-go manufacturer Deli Lites is to invest £19m in expanding capacity at its Warrenpoint factory, creating 130 jobs.
Part of a strategic plan to double Deli Lites’ turnover, the investment will double the group’s overall manufacturing capacity, including tripling its heat-to-eat food range, and support NPD for European expansion.
“Bringing even more products to our snacking and convenience range and investing in production and automation will significantly increase our capacity and customer reach,” said Jackie Reid, co-founder and chief strategy officer.
Announced by Northern Ireland economy minister Caoimhe Archibald, the £19m total investment includes £12.8m from Invest NI’s Agri-Food Investment Initiative, alongside £6m from Deli Lites to upskill and recruit staff.
“We have a long-term, positive relationship with Invest NI, and they have supported our growth for many years,” added Nigel Cairns, who was appointed chief commercial officer in May to help drive the company’s growth. His role was one of 10 new management positions created under the investment plan.
Cairns said Invest NI specialised in supporting companies with “aggressive growth plans”.
“We have been gaining positive momentum in recent years with our continued growth to fulfil demand for quality food across wholesale, retail, foodservice and travel markets,” he added.
“We are in a unique position, with a Northern Irish base, and therefore we have access to both the UK and EU markets.”
The investment will also help Deli Lites, which was the first sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland to gain B Corp status, reduce its food waste by up to 50%.
Gráinne Moody, Invest NI director of food and drink, said the project would “increase innovation and boost productivity by transforming labour-intensive processes and increasing digitalisation”.
“Our overseas trade teams are also working with Deli Lites to explore new international markets as it grows,” she added.
Funding for the move was secured earlier in 2025, with money to be deployed in two stages staggered through 2025 and 2026.
No comments yet