Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Tesco stores in the UK to discontinue its 'Irish food' range

The company has carried the section in British stores since 2011.

BAD NEWS FOR Irish expats living in Britain who are partial to the occasional cup of Barry’s tea or mikado biscuit.

Retailer Tesco has confirmed that it will discontinue its Irish food section in 202 stores across Britain.

The store has already begun phasing out the products, and the process will be completed by the end of July.

The story was first reported in UK-based outlet the Irish Post. 

Speaking to the publication, Eddie O’Kane from O’Kane Irish Foods, a company that supplies Tesco, said that it was a “strange development”.

The World Foods category has been growing rapidly over the past number of years, in contrast to the overall supermarket trend which has been, at best, very flat.

The Tesco Irish section has been in place since 2011 and has seen the supermarket giant stocking homegrown favourites like Tayto, Club Orange, Barry’s Tea and Jacobs biscuits.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Tesco said:

We review our ranges to deliver the best possible shopping experience for customers. These changes will ensure we continue to offer great availability on the most popular Irish products at affordable prices.

Despite the removal of a specific Irish food section, Tesco has said that it will continue to stock a number of Irish brands in other parts of its supermarket – although which products these will be, and how many will no longer be available, is not yet clear.

Although the Irish section is set to go, World food sections will remain at the Tesco stores where they are currently situated.

Read: 10 reasons why Tesco’s Irish section is a *lifeline* for Irish emigrants

Also: Mark Hamill just said goodbye to Ireland with a bag of Tayto

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
75 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds