Posted on: 22 Apr 2024

The family-owned Dublin-based Milish Bakery has today announced that it has secured a multi-million deal with retailer Marks & Spencer to supply its signature muffins to 640 M&S stores throughout the UK and Ireland.

This milestone agreement not only underscores Milish Bakery's commitment to excellence but also reflects M&S' dedication to supporting Irish suppliers and promoting the finest quality products to their customers.

The deal is a significant boost for the bakery, which has increased its workforce by 20% within the company's operations at the Citywest site to meet the heightened demand from M&S’ network of stores across the UK and Ireland. These positions will encompass a range of roles spanning production, logistics, and quality control, further bolstering the bakery's workforce and contributing to local employment growth.

Milish muffins stocked in M&S will be produced using only fresh, free-Range M&S Select Farm Irish eggs and fresh buttermilk ensuring quality for customers across Ireland and the UK. The range of muffins which will be stocked in M&S stores include Lemon, Blueberry, Victoria Sponge and Chocolate muffins.

Milish Bakery was established in 1959 by siblings Kitty Coghlan and Liam Coghlan Snr, specialising in innovation and manufacture of premium ranges of muffins and scones. Generations of experience have helped Milish Bakery grow from its origins as part of Dublin’s high street bakery history as KC Confectionery to its current position, being recognised as one of the leaders in Irish bakery manufacturing.

Speaking today on the announcement, Gary McCarney, Technical Director at Milish Bakery commented: “As producers, we do everything we can to ensure that all of the muffins we make are the best they can possibly be. Given our core focus as a producer on quality, we’re delighted to have that recognition by M&S and partner with them in bringing our product to customers both across Ireland and the UK.

“Our bakery takes pride in our artisanal approach to baking. We combine traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure top-quality sweet treats. Our batch baking process allows us to be flexible and create custom recipes, flavours, and packaging options, and all of our produce is completely free from artificial additives.”

Also commenting on the announcement, Eddie Murphy, Country Director for Marks & Spencer Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “As part of our ambitious growth plans, we are dedicated to doubling the number of Irish suppliers we collaborate with, reflecting our commitment to sourcing highest quality Irish products which offer real value to our customers. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of our food business in Ireland and we’re delighted to announce this partnership with Milish Bakery and to welcome them as trusted suppliers into the M&S family. 

“We have been hugely impressed by the high standards at Milish, from sourcing the finest quality ingredients from across the island of Ireland to their expert production processes that underscore the bakery’s dedication to creating the very best for shoppers.”