Aramark and Avoca were always something of an odd match. The US property, retail, and services group and the darling of Ireland’s foodie scene. At its core, Aramark was a mass caterer and a facilities manager; Avoca was a niche food and retail business. Aramark ran direct-provision centers, among other things; Avoca won awards for its sourdough bread.

So when the US company acquired Avoca from the Pratt family for a reported €64 million in 2015, many wondered if the Avoca brand would suffer, not least because Aramark had a reputation for cost-cutting. Both sides promised it wouldn’t.