Bia Kid meals find space on Tesco shelf

A Dublin mother has won a contract to supply her range of convenience foods for children to supermarket chain Tesco.

Bia Kid, a company set up by Yvonne Scully in 2003, has been awarded a contract to supply its ready-meals to all of Tesco's 94 stores throughout Ireland. The deal will double Bia Kid's turnover and also create additional jobs at its production facility in Waterford. The company currently employs about 25 people indirectly.

"Following three years in business, this is a hugely significant move for us," said Ms Scully. "Supplying Tesco endorses the quality and competitiveness of our products."

Bia Kid meals, which are made in Ireland from fresh Irish ingredients, come in four different recipes with names designed to appeal to children, such as South Pole Fish Pie and Bunny's Vegetable Bake.

Dave Connolly, Tesco food buyer, welcomed the new deal, saying it showed the chain's commitment to supporting quality, competitively priced Irish products. "We are also equally committed to helping our customers keep themselves and their families healthy," he said.

The Bia Kid range is already available in Dunnes Stores, Superquinn, SuperValu and Eurospar.