From Promenade Bakery to Widespread Popularity
Beginning in 2020 in a bakery on Newcastle Promenade, Black Box Donuts handmade donuts quickly rose to popularity. Support from Invest NI enabled Black Box to quickly triple its workforce to grow its team of bakers and delivery drivers, as well as providing core functions such as marketing, operations and business development.
First Major Contract in the Republic of Ireland
The new trade deal, which is the company’s first significant contract in RoI, marks a major milestone for the fast-growing brand, which is known for its distinctive black packaging.
Growth Powered by Quality and Innovation
Darren McKibbin, director of Black Box Donuts, said: "This is a huge step forward for our brand, and we’re delighted to share our award-winning gourmet donuts with a whole new audience. Over the last few years we have rapidly scaled our business, with support from Invest Northern Ireland enabling us to grow our workforce, increase digitalisation and innovate.
"We’ve always believed in delivering quality without compromise, and the opportunity to partner with SuperValu and Centra — two of Ireland’s most trusted names in retail — is a testament to how far we’ve come."
Invest NI Support Key to Expansion Success
John McKibben, Southern regional manager at Invest NI, added: "We’re delighted to have supported Black Box Donuts to scale its business and expand its presence into the Republic of Ireland. As well as helping the company grow its workforce, we’ve supported its digital transformation journey, enabling it to utilise the latest bakery management software to boost productivity and increase sales. We’ve also recently provided market research, innovation support, and assisted the business to achieve the SALSA food safety standard.
"Invest NI's regional office network is here to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses that want to innovate and sell their products outside Northern Ireland. Dual market access means there has never been a better time for businesses to take that first step, and I encourage anyone thinking of beginning their export journey or looking to scale to get in touch."
Driving Sustainability with Innovation Vouchers
Black Box Donuts has recently worked with The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) to extend the shelf life of its products through a £5,000 innovation voucher from Invest NI, funded by UK Government.
Darren McKibben said: "Relying on fewer and larger deliveries will support decarbonisation and ensure that our luxury donuts arrive fresh into store each week ready for our customers to enjoy, whether they are based in Northern Ireland, the South, or in Great Britain."
Best-Sellers Headline Republic of Ireland Launch
The company’s launch into SuperValu and Centra in the South of Ireland will feature a selection of its best-selling flavours, including Biscoff, Bueno, Kinder and Oreo.
