Ireland’s largest sandwich maker has appointed Ian Mullin as its new Head of Innovation. Ian’s primary role will be new product development, formulating exciting recipes for front of store range and also developing menus and ingredients for sandwich bars. Ian holds an MSc in Food Product Development & Culinary Innovation and a BSc in Product Design, both from the Dublin Institute of Technology.Diarmuid Shanahan, co-owner, Freshways, says: “Freshways is the No. 1 producer of sandwiches in Ireland because we are committed to quality, freshness and creativity. We have 150 fabulous and creative recipes in our range and Ian will contribute to the development of many more. Our commitment to anticipating and meeting the needs of consumers’ changing tastes is reflected in our constantly evolving creative recipes. We are delighted that Ian has joined us as Head of Innovation, a vital role in ensuring Freshways continues to create fresh, high-quality, hand-made meal solutions.”
Freshways was founded in 1990 and is Ireland’s largest sandwich maker with one third of the Irish market. The company was acquired in a management buyout from Kerry Foods in October 2013 by Diarmuid Shanahan and Garrett Fitzgerald. Freshways operates from a purpose built 60,000 sq. ft. production facility at Finglas, producing 300,000 handmade sandwiches each week for customers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as manufacturing sandwich fillers for delis and the convenience store market.
The company is also a prominent supplier of branded and private label sandwiches to the major multiples, including convenience stores and forecourt retailers. In addition, Freshways supplies sandwiches for the retail market and is a major supplier of sandwiches to the food services and catering market, which includes workplaces, schools, colleges and hospitals. The company also supplies large-scale events such as race meetings and music and sporting events.
