Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a major £18.8 million investment by Warrenpoint-based manufacturer DELI LITES, which will significantly boost its sandwich production and 'heat-to-eat' product range.

The investment, supported by Invest NI's Agri-Food Investment Initiative, includes a £12.8 million plan to automate production and broaden its product range, alongside a further £6 million to upskill its workforce and create 130 new jobs.

Speaking at the DELI LITES facility, the Minister highlighted the investment's potential for growth, noting that increased capacity will allow the company to expand its fresh and frozen ranges, grow sales in Britain and Ireland, and access additional export markets. The 130 new jobs, which will leverage almost £10 million in wages and salaries by 2027, were also praised as a positive step towards a more regionally balanced economy. Established in 1998 by Brian and Jackie Reid, DELI LITES supplies gourmet sandwiches and food-to-go products to major customers including Applegreen, Costa Coffee, Aer Lingus, and American Airlines. The company is a trailblazer in its sector, being the first sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland to achieve B Corp certification.

Brian Reid, CEO of DELI LITES, said that the investment "will significantly increase our capacity and customer reach." Jackie Reid, Co-Founder and CSO, added that the company is "delighted to be growing our team in Warrenpoint to bring further expertise into the business and help us achieve our vision." The investment is also expected to increase capabilities and reduce food waste by up to 50%.

Gráinne Moody, Director of Food and Drink at Invest NI, noted that the project will "increase innovation and boost productivity by transforming labour-intensive processes and increasing digitalisation." Invest NI's overseas trade teams will also work with the company to explore new international markets. The new jobs include a range of highly skilled positions, with ten at management level.