About Irwin
Irwin's Bakery has been Northern Ireland's trusted family baker since 1912, when W.D. Irwin and his wife Ruth first baked bread at their Portadown grocers. Four generations later, Irwin's has grown into Northern Ireland's largest independent bakery, producing over 1 million products every week from their 9,300 square metre facility with over 450 employees. The company's most iconic product is Nutty Krust, launched in 1963, which revolutionised the bread market in Northern Ireland. This distinctive loaf undergoes a 6-hour baking process, from mixing and fermenting the dough to the careful baking and resting that creates its unique flavour and texture. Nutty Krust remains a firm Northern Ireland favourite to this day. Irwin's range includes Softee soft white bread, wholemeal loaves, seeds and grains sourdough, and speciality items like their Cinnamon and Raisin Toasty Loaf. The bakery also developed the Rankin Selection of Irish Breads in 2002 with celebrity chef Paul Rankin. In 2006, they expanded by acquiring Howell House, specialists in traditional-style cakes and tray-bakes. All Irwin's products are based on traditional Irish recipes and baking methods, including original fermentation and slow-baking processes passed down through generations. The business continues as a family enterprise, with Niall's son Ross representing the fourth generation to join the company. Irwin's brings the authentic taste of Northern Ireland's bakery heritage to UK shoppers through Lidl and Iceland.