Founded in 2015 by Alison Cowzer and Michael Carey, East Coast Bakehouse has swiftly risen to prominence in the European biscuit industry. Operating from a state-of-the-art facility in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the company has combined traditional Irish ingredients with innovative product development to achieve remarkable growth.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
In its early years, East Coast Bakehouse faced challenges common to startups, including market uncertainties and the impacts of Brexit. However, by 2022, the company reported revenues just under €5 million. By 2025, annualized revenues had surged to €24 million, marking a nearly 400% increase. This growth has been fuelled by strategic partnerships with major retailers such as Aldi, Asda, and Morrisons in the UK . Exports now account for 65% of sales, reaching markets across the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, and beyond.
Innovative Product Range
East Coast Bakehouse prides itself on producing high-quality biscuits using Irish butter and oats. Their product lineup includes:
- Milk Chocolate Chunk
- Triple Chocolate Chunk
- Stem Ginger & Dark Chocolate Chunk
- Granola with Nuts & Seeds
- A diverse vegan range, including Lemon & Almond and Cocoa & Hazelnut cookies
The company has also ventured into health-conscious options, developing biscuits that are high in protein, low in sugar, and suitable for various dietary requirements.
Commitment to Sustainability
As a member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme, East Coast Bakehouse has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. By 2021, they had increased the percentage of sustainably certified food suppliers from 24.7% in 2020 to 62.5%, surpassing their initial target.
The company has also engaged in community initiatives, collaborating with organisations like the Irish Girl Guides and the Vodafone Foundation to support digital literacy among older adults.
Scaling Operations
To meet growing demand, East Coast Bakehouse has invested in expanding its production capabilities. The Drogheda facility features a biscuit oven that can produce up to 10,000 packets of biscuits per hour. The workforce has grown accordingly, with the company employing 135 as of early 2024.
With plans to add a new production line and further expand its product offerings, East Coast Bakehouse is poised for continued growth. Their focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability positions them as a leading player in the global biscuit market.
Image Credit: East Coast Bakehouse
