Growing up on a dairy farm in North Kerry, I have always loved the interaction between food and people and the satisfaction of producing a dish or meal that disappears in a flash and puts happy smiles on faces.

While working in the restaurant business in the US in the early nineties and selling my own Irish recipe breads and jams at my local market, a friend of mine asked me to reproduce her Grandmother’s recipe for Hot pepper jelly and so Harty’s story started.

Fast forward to 2009, after 10 years in the restaurant business in Tralee, I have returned to my jelly making. I started with my original flavours which were very innovative for Ireland and added traditional flavours such as mint jelly and cranberry jelly to compliment the range. Over the years, I expanded both the range of flavours and the sales across the country, supplying into many of the supermarkets nationwide and Independent stores. And our range has won many awards over the years including Great Taste and Blas na hEireann.

Fast forward to 2020, I decided to leave the fast lane of mass production and all that brings with it.    I am back full circle, producing my jellies in small batches which retains the authenticity of the quality ingredients we use. This allows me to control all aspects of the business and more especially I can choose to create according to the seasons.

 I have also increased my range to include sweet jams and marmalades. Cooking in small batches retains the essence of the ingredients, the taste and the full vibrancy of the natural colour.  

Please pop over to our shop to see our range. I hope you become as passionate about my jellies as I am in the making of them.

 Melanie