Top Northern Ireland manufacturing award for Mash Direct

Mash Direct, a specialist in vegetable dishes and convenience foods, has been named 'Northern Ireland's Outstanding Food Manufacturing Business' 2017 at a major awards event in Belfast.

The company, which is based on a family farm at Comber, county Down, gained the award for excellence in its field of expertise, for staff development and for making "a positive impact on the local business community".

The awards, held for the second time and sponsored by Henderson Food Machinery Company, recognise success in food manufacturing by Northern Ireland companies.

Mash Direct, winner of last year's coveted UK Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards and the SIAL Middle East gold award for innovation, is among Northern Ireland's most successful farm-based businesses.

The company, formed in 2004 by husband and wife team Martin and Tracy Hamilton, is a major supplier of products to retailers in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, the US and the Middle East.

It employs around 150 people at its processing operation in county Down. It has developed into one of Northern Ireland's best known food brands with a strong commitment to new product development.

There were other awards for local food producers including Cavanagh Free Range Eggs of Newtownbutler, county Fermanagh which was named Best Small Producer.

UMI of Loughgall, county Armagh, a producer of mushroom products won Best Provider/Supplier of the Year, and Doherty Meats of Derry, a manufacturer of gluten-free sausages, burgers and meatballs gained the award for Best Customer Service.

Rooney Fish, Northern Ireland's leading seafood business, which is based at Kilkeel, county Down, gained the award for 'Best Export Initiative'. The company is a major exporter of fish and seafood to global markets including China, Japan and South Korea.