Monaghan Firm secures first major contract of South African Trade Mission

14 January 2008

A Clones based company has become the first to secure a major contract during Ireland's largest ever Trade Mission to South Africa the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin, TD has announced in Cape Town.

Harte Peate which provides deeply dug wet peat for the mushroom industry has signed a distribution deal with a local partner company which will see its products distributed through out South Africa.

Welcoming the announcement Minister Martin said it shows that Harte Peat and its 25 local employees in Clones have become world leaders in their field.

"Harte have developed a quality environmentally friendly product which has been successfully launched in many markets since the company was established in 1987. I note that here in South Africa the Clones company has set the ambitious target of supplying 35% of the mushroom industry within 18 months."

"More than 50 Irish companies are taking part in this Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to South Africa and over the next few days it is my hope that we will see others forming partnerships with local companies which will benefit South Africa and secure jobs at home."

"Harte Peat is a true example of how Irish industry has developed expertise in a wide range of areas. Through Enterprise Ireland we will continue to ensure that unique Irish products such as the mushroom peat are pushed into new markets."

"During the contract signing in Cape Town I was delighted to meet Managing Director Thomas O'Harte. He briefed me on the company and planned future developments. I want to wish Thomas and his team every success into the future", concluded Minister Martin.  

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