M&S chief highlights Northern Ireland's food quality and innovation

Director of Food at Marks & Spencer, Andy Adcock has praised Northern Ireland's food and drink producers and suppliers, describing the region as "a centre for food quality and innovation".

Speaking to business leaders at the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association's annual dinner, Mr Adcock reflected on the supermarket's long standing relationship with the food industry in Northern Ireland.

"In the 50 years since Marks & Spencer first arrived in Northern Ireland much has changed, but our commitment to high quality, locally sourced produce has remained steadfast.

"The region is home to some our most loyal customers and enthusiastic colleagues and each time I come, I'm struck by the passion displayed across our stores, factories and farms.

"Sourcing locally is really important to Marks & Spencer, and Northern Ireland is one of our biggest supply regions, with 11 direct suppliers and around 1,500 farms producing into the supply chain.

"The range of produce soured here is extensive, including beef, pork, chicken, bread and eggs. We're also a net exporter of these products, selling produce from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, as well as places like Paris, Hong Kong and Dubai.

"The province is7 rich in top food and drink companies and our success here is in no small part thanks to the commitment of our suppliers and their products. The future is certainly challenging, as changes in the way customers consume food require us to innovate faster than ever before.

"However, in partnership with our network of Northern Ireland suppliers, we look forward to meeting the challenges ahead as together we maintain our mutual reputation for quality, innovation and great taste."

Pic Caption: Andy Adcock, M&S director of food, second right, with left, Shaun McAree, Danske Bank, Declan Billington, NIFDA chairman, and Michael Bell, NIFDA chief executive.