Barry Group, who operate the Costcutter franchise in Ireland, is to invest €4m in chilled distribution and fresh product ranges, creating 35 jobs over the next 12 months.

The company, employing 240 people and based in Mallow, is one of the leading wholesale distribution companies in Ireland, operating the Costcutter, Quik Pick, and Carry Out retail franchises and provides wholesale food and alcohol distribution to over 1,000 independent retail customers.

The group will invest in its private label brands as part of the company’s ‘Proud to be local’ campaign, allowing local producers access to wider markets. Over 95% of everything supplied to the group’s Meadowbrook farm and Costcutter brands is sourced or produced in Ireland.

“Buying Irish and facilitating new markets for local producers is keeping money in the local economy,” said Jim Barry, group managing director.

The group expects to deliver sales of up to €200m in the next five years.