Full of Sunshine and Delicious Ingredients

For the past decade, ethnic foods have become increasingly in demand in the UK, with, according to the experts, Caribbean cuisine in particular having quadrupled in its popularity and appeal.

And one of the fastest growing and most popular brands within this burgeoning sector is ‘Island Delight’ which, produced by Birmingham-based Cleone Foods, can be found in a number of the major retail multiples, as well as discerning convenience stores and delicatessens throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Cleone Foods was founded by local entrepreneur Wade Lyn who, although having qualified as a teacher after moving from his native Jamaica in the 1960s, found himself working for a company in Wolverhampton making patties. As he explains though, “The problem with the company that I was working for was the packaging; there was no recognisable brand. It was clear to me that what was needed was some branded packaging that customers would come to recognise and demand.”

Consequently, realising that action speaks far louder than words, Wade launched Cleone Foods with just five people and a large dose of hope: today, the company is making over 100,000 Island Delight patties a week. Clearly, it was an inspired decision!

Patties are at the heart of traditional Caribbean cuisine and part of everyday life across the islands; from Jamaica to Antigua. The recipe has remained the same for years; a light pastry crust is filled with fresh ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, salt fish, vegetables and Caribbean spices then cooked until the pastry is golden. It sounds delicious … and it is, which is why the Island Delight range of Caribbean style patties and slices is becoming so popular.

Island Delight currently accounts for 55% of the pattie market and is continually growing, with new retailers coming on-board all the time. Indeed, Cleone Foods is the largest producer of Caribbean style patties in the UK and, although most of its patties are sold chilled, the company is also expanding its range of frozen products.

In addition, in 2008 the company launched a range of Island Delight savoury slices that fuse the best of Caribbean cooking in a very British savoury slice. Every slice is made using the finest meat and then mixed in a selection of peppers, onions and spices to bring them to life.

And the company’s product portfolio continues to grow …

Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica in which meats are dry-rubbed or wet marinated with a very hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. Jerk seasoning is traditionally applied to pork and chicken. In actual fact, Island Delight Jerk Chicken can be found in the freezers of retail giant Tesco.

However, Cleone Foods has also now launched Jerk Beef, as the company continues to innovate and attract new customers. Jerk cooking has, of course, developed a worldwide following in most major UK urban centres, with forms of jerk now be to found at restaurants almost anywhere with a significant population. Thanks to Cleone Foods, though, it can now being enjoyed at home too.

Despite its success, this is not a company that is content to sit back and relax. In fact, in order to help to achieve its planned growth, the company has recently invested £250,000 in a brand new production line and, with its highly talented 50 strong team, is looking confidently towards the future.

So, to find how you can bring a little Caribbean sunshine into your retail mix, telephone Cleone Foods on 0121 551 2772. Alternatively, visit www.cleone.co.uk.