Keogh’s Crisps Secures Largest Overseas Distribution Deal With Publix in the United States
Keogh’s Crisps has commenced its largest-ever overseas distribution deal, with its artisan potato crisps now available across 1,400 Publix retail outlets in the south-eastern United States.
The north Dublin agri-food company’s products reached Publix shelves last week. The expansion comes only weeks after Keogh’s Crisps ULC submitted plans to Fingal County Council for a new production facility as the company prepares to increase production by 50% by 2028.
Keogh’s Crisps Managing Director Tom Keogh said the company is on course to achieve record revenues in 2026, surpassing its previous record in 2021, when increased snacking during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted sales.
Publix becomes Keogh’s largest overseas distribution deal
Keogh’s secured the Publix listing through a competitive tender process.
Tom Keogh:
“We won a listing.”
The agreement covers five Keogh’s crisp flavours:
- Cheese and Onion
- Lightly Salted
- Salt and Vinegar
- Truffle
- Irish Butter
Publix is the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, with stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. The retailer recorded revenues of USD 62.7 billion (EUR 54 billion) last year.
Keogh did not disclose the value of the Publix agreement, but said the United States is now Keogh’s Crisps’ largest export market. The company is also exploring opportunities in Canada. Keogh said discussions have taken place with Canadian distributors, although no agreement has yet been reached. According to Keogh, the main challenge currently facing the business is potato supply following the dry summer.
Tom Keogh:
“The main challenge facing the business was the potato supply due to the dry summer.”
New production facility planned in Ireland
The Publix agreement follows Keogh’s Crisps lodging plans with Fingal County Council for a new production facility at Westpalstown, approximately one kilometre north of Oldtown village. The proposed development comprises a production, processing, packaging and storage facility with associated office accommodation on a 19.5-acre site. The main facility would extend to approximately 9,829 square metres.
A planning report by Hughes Planning Development Consultants (HPDC) submitted with the application states that Keogh’s Crisps used around nine million potatoes last year and is expected to surpass that figure this year. Keogh’s currently accounts for 14% of Irish crisp sales, while exports represent 40% of company sales and reach 22 countries.
Production expansion to create new jobs
Keogh’s Crisps currently employs 160 people. With plans to increase production by 50% to meet growing demand, the company expects to require a further 50 employees by 2027.
The expansion of its international business also includes an agreement with Emirates Airlines. According to the planning report, the deal was secured following a blind sampling of 15 different crisp brands and is expected to result in approximately one million bags of Keogh’s crisps being served on board annually.