Published Monday, 26 November 2012
Arlene Foster and Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton with Maurice Kettyle. (© DETI)
The product will be supplied to one of Europe's top retailers, Albert Heijn supermarkets in The Netherlands.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster described the export deal as "immensely important."
"What's also extremely significant about this contract is its inclusion within Albert Heijn's prestigious 'Excellence' food range, which focuses on products produced using sustainable farming and processing techniques.
"Kettyle's richly flavoured Fermanagh bacon is the first from Northern Ireland to be included in this exacting portfolio of food products."
Kettyle Irish Foods, which is based at Manderwood Business Park in Lisnaskea, specialises in dry-aging techniques.
The company has been assisted to expand its European markets, grow its business and develop skills through a series of Invest NI programmes.
Recently, the firm triumphed at the UK Great Taste Awards winning three gold stars for its dry-aged bone marrow butter and two gold stars for its for dry-aged wing rib steak.
Other awards were achieved for its dry-aged fillet steak, dry-aged ribeye steak and bacon.
The minister continued: "It's tremendously encouraging to see premium dry-cured bacon in the chill cabinets of one of the most respected and influential European retailers."
The DUP minister continued, saying that the firm has been "quick to recognise a developing market trend in The Netherlands for foods which combine taste and sustainability.
"Other leading retailers in Europe are also starting to insist that suppliers show solid evidence of a commitment to sustainability."
Ms Foster concluded: "It's a trend which could have a profound impact on the food businesses here and indeed throughout Europe."
Maurice Kettyle, of the food company, said: "We've been operating in this influential European market for many years and this has enabled us to keep abreast of trends there.
"Our parent company, Linden Foods in Dungannon, has been supplying beef to Albert Heijn for many years and is also conscious of the move towards greater evidence of sustainability that includes good standards of animal welfare."
He continued: "It's an extremely exciting development that gives us an important platform for further growth with the chain in The Netherlands and will encourage us to explore opportunities in other European markets."