Iverk Produce, the fruit and vegetable wholesaler based in Piltown, Co Kilkenny, has signed a €70m three-year deal to supply German discounter Aldi with potatoes. Under the terms of the deal, Iverk will supply 27,000t of rooster, white and salad potatoes to Aldi’s 129 Irish stores every year. Although Iverk has partnered with Aldi since it first entered the Irish market in 1999, this latest deal represents a major increase in sales volumes to the German retailer. Established by the O’Shea family in 1980, Iverk sources potatoes from 30 growers predominantly based in the southeast of Ireland.

John O’Shea of Iverk said the group’s security of partnership with Aldi over the years had allowed the management team to invest and grow the business.

For Aldi, the deal is reflective of the retailers evolving strategy to gain market share in Ireland. Aldi recently announced a €60m investment in its stores to increase chilled space by 40% and locate more fresh produce at shop entrances. The retailer will also complete the refurbishment of 29 stores by year end.