New Christmas Gingerbread breakfast treat for M&S from Avondale

The Lurgan-based family company, which has a longstanding business relationship with M&S – and is best-known for it multi-award-winning coleslaw – has created Gingerbread Overnight Oats especially for the Christmas season. It emerged from regular discussions with M&S about new product ideas.

Avondale director Greer Geddis explains: “We bring everyone together a few times a year to refresh the focus on quality and innovation. When we’re discussing new products, quality always comes first. I believe that’s at the core of our longstanding relationship.”

“This hugely important partnership,” he continues, “thrives on innovation as much as tradition. We love it when M&S set us a challenge. Many of the products you see on shelves began exactly that way.”

As food trends evolved, Avondale Foods saw growing demand and business opportunity for “healthy, convenient breakfasts”.

A son of Derek Geddis, the late founder of the company, Greer says the key to the success of the business, now one of Northern Ireland’s leading food enterprises, lies in a shared commitment to quality.

“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.

“Breakfast isn’t slowing down,” says Greer. “People want great-tasting, convenient options. This new Gingerbread addition for M&S is just the start.”

Avondale 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, Avondale 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.

Innovation, Greer 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 Trading Director for Ireland and Northern Ireland, adds: “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.

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.