Spice Devils products chosen for the KickStart programme
By Maurice Garvey
CLONDALKIN based business Spice Devils are among a group of 60 Irish suppliers selected by Lidl for their KickStart Supplier Development programme.
It forms part of Lidl’s 'Best of Ireland' food promotion and kicked off on September 17 at all 195 Lidl stores across the country - complimenting the retailer’s existing portfolio of Irish products in store.
Shakeel Jeeroburkan of Spice Devils
Three Spice Devils products were selected for the Kick Start programme in 2017 and again this year after performing well.
Shakeel Jeeroburkan, owner of Spice Devils, said: “They took me on again because of last year's performance, with a total sales of over 80 per cent over the two-week period in September 2017.”
“The products are on shelves in Lidl for a two-week period, from September 17-30.”
Mauritian native Shakeel established Spice Devils from his kitchen in 2013 and tested his products at farmer’s markets.
After securing a micro-finance loan and a grant from South Dublin County Council LEO office, Spice Devils began to accumulate awards, and his spices are now available in 30 Supervalus in Dublin.
A special product he created last year – which is only available via his website – is described as Ireland’s spiciest curry powder.
Oh Fahl is so hot that it comes with gloves and requires customers to sign terms and conditions before purchasing.
Shakeel said: “Since launching last year, Oh Fahl has been the best seller among all the other existing products up to now.
“There is a constant demand for it, even if sold exclusively online, and it has made its own unique niche of customers. This special blend has already reached the coast of South Korea. There’s no stopping it.”
Based in the Ace Enterprise Centre in Bawnogue, Shakeel said he is planning on launching a new curry sauce soon.
