Nominee: Declan Gallagher

Gallaghers was set up in 1994 by Declan Gallagher and is located in Ardara, Co Donegal. Under its French Mill Brand, the company primarily focuses on "par-baked" (partly cooked) bread and the hot food deli markets. The par-baked bread market in Ireland continues to grow rapidly and Gallaghers French Mill Brand has already achieved a 25 per cent market share.

Products

Gallaghers produces par-baked breads (80 per cent cooked), traditional bread (sliced breads, sodas), confectionery and hot food bar products under their French Mill brand. Eighty per cent of the company's products are frozen and last up to one year.

Gallaghers uses its own natural fermentation process in its production facilities, which gives its products a more natural and better taste and also allows its products a longer shelf life.

The company is BRC accredited, employing 160 people directly and an additional 40 indirectly.

Customers

Customers include Spar, Superquinn, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Harold's and Statoil.

Customers are supplied with a complete package for in-store bakery and deli counter needs. This includes in-store training, ovens, display stands, a complete merchandising range, coffee stations and point-of-sale items to any size of outlet, whether a large supermarket or a convenience store.

The recent signing of contracts with companies in Europe and UK will substantially increase the export market.

Recognising the need to diversify into new products and new markets, the company has recently started phase one of a €12 million investment in a new plant and machinery for additional production and storage facilities.

Describe your progression from start-up to your current status?

Starting from a zero customer base and little investment, we have invested €1.5 million in 1994, €4.5 million in 2001 and are currently in stage one of a €12 million investment to diversify into new products for supply to our current customer base of over 2000.

What was the biggest risk you have taken?

Initial expansion programme in 2001 - everything was on the line. We needed customers and we needed them fast. With a limited team we began developing a customer base.