New artisan bakery clinches first deal with Rail Gourmet

A new artisan bakery business today announced its launch into the Irish market having signed its first deal with Rail Gourmet, providers of onboard catering services for Irish Rail.

In a deal worth in excess of €1 million, Past Tense Treats, located in Warrenpoint, Newry, and initially expected to employ ten people, will supply Rail Gourmet with a range of handmade “grab and go” bars for Irish Rail’s network of trains across the Republic of Ireland.

It is a significant listing for the bakery which has its sights set on the retail, corporate, hospitality and coffee shop markets across Ireland. It also coincides with the company recently being given a 2 star Great Taste Award for its Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie.

Jackie Reid, Managing Director of the business which she co-founded with her husband Brian, said, “Past Tense Treats, so-called because they are gone before you know it, is an exciting new enterprise for us and our customers and we are thrilled to be the bakery supplier of choice for Rail Gourmet and Irish Rail passengers.”

“We saw a niche in the market for our offering and our vision is to become a household brand selling indulgent, quirky sweet products at a very reasonable price.”

Past Tense Treats produces a range of delicious hand baked goods from traditional Malteser and Rice Krispie traybakes through to salted caramel and pecan brownies, lavender and blueberry sponges and lemon and coconut slices.

All ingredients are sourced locally and made by hand every morning in the Warrenpoint factory. Past Tense Treats offers nationwide delivery, seven days a week.

Reid explained, “Our market research strongly indicates that demand for quality, affordable and handmade sweet products is as high as ever. We have ambitious plans for growth throughout Ireland, the UK and beyond and with that our staff figures are set to grow substantially too.”

Past Tense Treats is the second venture for the business pair who founded and own successful sandwich manufacturing company Deli Lites Ireland Limited.