History
We believe passionately in the power of good food in bringing people together and try and hold to the same values since 1945.
From the simple dream of a small Fishmongers shop and one man’s entrepreneurial spirit, we have grown to become the largest family-operated Foodservice distributor in Ireland.
Whilst the industry has evolved and changed we have always aimed to adapt, grow and be at the cutting edge of all innovative technologies and leading it into new and more efficient ways of doing business. Yet, amidst all of these changes, our values have remained the same as those of the 50-year-old entrepreneur who started it all: hard work, service and integrity.
Humble beginnings
Bobby Lynas’s first shop, a small fishmongers shop in Coleraine in Brook Street. One of the bestselling items were Mrs Lynas's famous fishcakes with a record sales day of over 1,200!
First fishing boats
Bobby had a love of fishing boats and over a number of years procured boats built in Portrush, Malahide and Scotland.
Norman Lynas joins the business
Bobby’s son Norman joined the business aged 16 due to Bobby suffering a heart attack.
The first frozen fleet
Norman moves the business into frozen food selling fish, burgers and chips as his first product lines.
New premises as the business expands
The business moves to a new industrial estate. Turnover is around £7 million.
IFEX Food show
The business is involved in trade shows to continue to grow sales.
Lynas Foodservice is born
Business changes its name to Lynas Foodservice. The business joins Caterforce buying group as it continues to diversify from Frozen Foods. Turnover is £15 million.
Move into the butchery business
Norman’s son Andrew joins the business. The business develops a brand new butchery offering called Causeway Prime.
Dublin expansion
The business opens its first cross-dock for its Southern Ireland business. Turnover is £48 million.
AFS acquired
The business buys Aghadowey Foodservices to improve its ambient and bakery offering.
The first Lynas Food Outlet
The business opens it first Food Outlet in Coleraine.
New extension and technology
A new extension and state of the art picking system is installed creating greater accuracy and capacity.
Second Food Outlet opens
The business opens its 2nd Food Outlet in Belfast.
New brand launched
Lynas foodservice launches its new brand. Turnover is over £100 million.
Derry/Londonderry and Newry Outlets opened
The business opens it first Food Outlets in Derry/Londonderry Newry.
Lynas launch operations in Scotland
Lynas foodservice begins operations in Scotland.