OUR STORY
The Inspiration
Resourceful Expressive Inspired Inventive Original
Our story began in the 1990s when Jackie Reid and her four sisters spent a summer working in New York. A natural foodie, Jackie loved the quality and flavours she discovered in the downtown delis of New Jersey, deciding that the people of Ireland deserved a healthier and more interesting lunchtime proposition.
Humble Beginnings
Resourceful Expressive Inspired Inventive Original
The first DELI LITES store opened in Newry, Co. Down in 1994 to a loyal customer base. Together with her husband, Brian, Jackie saw an opportunity to make artisan sandwiches for convenience stores, Schools and Universities – so they bought a premises of their own and founded DELI LITES Ireland LTD.
Starting with a modest 30 sandwiches per day, sales quickly grew and in just three years, demand for DELI LITES’ products led to expanding their manufacturing capability – twice. A breakthrough deal for supplying Debenhams Cafes throughout Ireland helped further establish a reputation for innovation and premium quality. Further contracts with Costa Coffee and Applegreen soon followed.
Years of Development
Resourceful Expressive Inspired Inventive Original
Still run by Jackie and Brian, the company has an ever-increasing portfolio of customers, a workforce of approximately 250 employees … and we’re still growing. We’ve added a bakery facility and currently supply every county in Ireland every day of the week. That said, DELI LITES remains true to its original purpose from back in 1994 where our fresh, gourmet sandwiches and food-to-go products still make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those who consume them, and on the growth and bottom line for those who sell them.
Now exporting all over the world, DELI LITES is fulfilling the original vision to bring the best Irish food products to the world market. Our dream is to see our international customer base continue to grow, while never settling for mediocrity.
MISSION
To be the global industry leaders in premium food on the move.
VALUES
BE A CHAMPION
We are leaders in our industry. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and want only the best for our customers.
BE POSITIVE
We are passionate about our food and business. Being solution focused allows us to work in a positive and exciting environment.
BE CURIOUS
It’s in our DNA; we’re curious by nature. Being open to new and exciting ideas applies to all areas of our business – food, operations and distribution.
BE RESPONSIBLE
We are focused on sustainability; placing the people and the planet first. We are transparent in all efforts to reduce and reuse, traceability from farm to fork; animal welfare and organic production.