Avondale Foods develops and manufactures fresh products for leading retailers in the UK and Ireland. The range includes side salads, vegetable accompaniments, oat drinks, porridge, sauces and noodles.
TECHNICAL TEAM OPPORTUNITES
Avondale Foods (Craigavon) Ltd. was founded in 1965 by Harry and Derek Geddis.
The brothers started in business growing vegetables at their family farm for distribution to local markets and retail outlets.
As Avondale Foods expanded, produce was outsourced to local growers while the company focused on product development.
In the early 1980s, Avondale Foods became the first company in Northern Ireland to manufacture coleslaw and quickly became one of the leading suppliers of coleslaw in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Avondale Foods remains a family company with the founding members still involved in the day-to-day running of the business. The second generation of the family have also key roles within the senior management team.
Avondale Foods has a staff of over 700 people which fluctuates according to the demands of production.
Our Brands
Avondale Foods is the company’s corporate entity through which products are developed and manufactured under its customers’ own brands.
Avondale Foods manufactures its own brand coleslaws and potato salads under the Country Kitchen brand.
These products are found in major retail outlets throughout Northern Ireland. The Country Kitchen range is developed specifically for Northern Irish consumers.
We specialise in...
Bakery
Noodles
Porridge
Sauces
Side Salads
Oat Drinks
Vegetable Sides
Recruitment
What Avondale Foods offers its employees:
- Subsidised canteen
- Employee of the Month award scheme
- Development training (NVQ 2/3, ILM 2/3)
- Christmas bonus
- Refer a friend bonus
Fresh starts to bright futures...
At Avondale Foods, we’re passionate about growing the next generation of talent. Our early careers opportunities, including apprenticeships, placements and graduate roles, offer hands-on experience, tailored training and a chance to work on exciting projects in a dynamic environment.
For more careers information email us:
Latest News
From Coleslaw To Christmas Oats
Co. Armagh-based Avondale Foods has grown from a family farm in Craigavon to one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable food producers. At the heart of that journey sits a partnership with M&S that has now spanned nearly six decades – a relationship that continues to evolve just a few miles from the renewed M&S Craigavon store.
Founded in 1965 by brothers Harry and Derek Geddis, Avondale began by growing vegetables for local retailers. The company started supplying lettuce to M&S in 1968 and has since expanded its range to include products found on M&S Foodhall shelves across the UK and Ireland.
By the 1980s, Avondale had become the first company in Northern Ireland to manufacture coleslaw, establishing itself as one of the leading suppliers in the UK and Ireland – and marking a major milestone in its growing partnership with M&S. Today, remains the sole supplier of M&S coleslaw and potato salad across the UK and Ireland. Alongside these classics, the company also produces a diverse range of products, including stuffed mushrooms, croutons, stir-fry sauces, noodles and, more recently, overnight oats – all made in its custom-built facility in Lurgan.
Talking about the relationship with M&S, Greer Geddis, son of the late founder Derek Geddis and now one of the company’s directors, says the key to their success lies in a shared commitment to quality.
“What M&S expect of us, we expect of our own suppliers,” Greer explains. “We bring everyone together a few times a year and refresh the focus on quality. When we’re discussing new products, quality always comes first. I believe that’s at the core of our longstanding relationship.”
The partnership thrives on innovation as much as tradition. “We love it when M&S set us a challenge,” he adds. “Many of the products you see on shelves began exactly that way.”
As food trends evolved, Avondale saw growing demand for healthy, convenient breakfasts.
“Once we entered the oats side of things, we saw huge potential. Flavours like apple crumble, salted caramel – and now something festive. When M&S asked for a new, innovative Christmas product, our Gingerbread Overnight Oats were born. It’s a seasonal product we’re really proud to see on M&S shelves this year.”
And the Gingerbread Overnight Oats are just the beginning.
“Breakfast isn’t slowing down,” says Greer. “People want great-tasting, convenient options. This new addition for M&S is just the start.”
Innovation, he adds, is non-negotiable. “We have to keep evolving. M&S are innovators too – they want products that catch the eye, taste amazing, and meet the highest standards. That’s what keeps our partnership moving forward. We’re approaching 60 years as an M&S supplier, and we’re proud of how our relationship continues to grow.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Laura Harper, M&S Country Director for Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Avondale Foods perfectly represents the values that define our relationships with local suppliers – quality, innovation, and trust. Their commitment to excellence and their ability to continually evolve with our customers’ needs have made them an invaluable partner for almost 60 years. As we celebrate the renewal of our Craigavon store, it’s wonderful to shine a light on a local business that has played such an important role in bringing the very best of Northern Ireland to our shelves.”
From family-farm vegetables to festive oats, the Avondale and M&S partnership continues to thrive – driven by curiosity, quality, and a shared passion for great food.
As M&S Craigavon prepares for an exciting new chapter with the transformation of its store, Avondale’s story stands as a proud example of local suppliers at the heart of M&S innovation and success.