Mash Direct showcased at Oxford Farming Conference

The outstanding achievements of Northern Ireland's Mash Direct, a specialist in convenience foods and side dishes, especially in international markets, were showcased at the influential Oxford Farming Conference, which was held recently at Oxford University.

Outlining Mash Direct's success in international markets such as the United Arab Emirates and the US as well as the UK, Ireland and other parts of Europe to conference delegates was company director Jack Hamilton. Other keynote speakers at the conference included Andrea Leadsom, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister.

Mr Hamilton outlined how the farm-based business, located near Comber in county Down, had diversified successfully to develop champ, Northern Irish favourite from mashed potatoes and spring onions, to a 40-strong range of convenience foods that are now on sale by major retailers and independents in Great Britain and the Republic.

He recounted how the company had secured its first international business by winning a contract in Dubai to sell chilled mash potato dishes in a region in which temperatures usually reach 50 degrees.

The key to the company's success is its focus on customers and a commitment to innovation which enables it to respond fast to the requirements of retailers.

The Oxford Farming Conference theme for 2017 was Thrive or Survive; fitting given the changes that will come to the sector post-Brexit.

The conference has earned a deserved reputation as the leading UK farming conference for its diversity of speakers and for the renowned networking that it offers.

International sales now account for 17 per cent of Mash Direct's sales and were growing steadily.

Established in 2004, Mash Direct remains a family owned and managed business and now employs 182 people.