Family food firms in Northern Irish economy acclaimed

Two food companies have been recognised in the Family Business Awards Northern Ireland 2017. The successful food businesses were:

Heavenly Tasty Organics of Augher, county Tyrone which won the Family Business of the Year in the smaller firms category along with a commendation in the 'One of Watch' category. The company owned and managed by husband and wife team Shauna McCarney-Blair and James Blair develops and produces healthy foods for babies and toddlers; and

Mash Direct of Comber, county Down for 'Best Use of Digital Media'. The company owned and managed by another husband and wife team Martin and Tracy Hamilton and sons Lance and Jack. The business, based on the family farm, produces potato and vegetable side dishes and convenience meals for major UK retailers and also exports to the Middle East, Europe and the US. In addition, the company was highly commended in the 'Best Family Business' category for medium-sized enterprises.

The Family Business Awards are organised in association with Belfast business consultants Harbinson Mulholland and sponsored by the Ulster University Business School and SSE Airtricity, Blackfox Solutions, Reactive Recruitment, Mills Selig and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

The awards recognise the huge contribution to the Northern Ireland economy made by family businesses across a wide range of business categories.