Two from Northern Ireland in Food and Drink Federation Awards

Two Northern Ireland companies are shortlisted by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) for the Regional Growth Business category in the Food and Drink Federation Awards 2017. The category is split by geographical area and sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP.

Interestingly both Northern Irish companies are from the vegetables category in Northern Ireland and both are based in county Down - Mash Direct from Comber, which specialises in potato and vegetable accompaniments and convenience meals, and Willowbrook Foods from nearby Killinchy, a producer of pre-packed vegetables and convenience dishes.

The FDF Awards celebrate the success of the food and drink manufacturing industry and the hardworking people within it. The ceremony takes place on Thursday 21 September at The Brewery in London, with headline sponsor Santander.

The award is divided into five sub-categories: Central & Northern England, South East England, South West England, Scotland & Northern Ireland, and Wales. The finalists, selected by a panel of expert judges, highlight both the geographic range and innovative work of the sector.

Ian Wright CBE, FDF director general, said: "These finalists are a credit to our industry and another reminder of the variety of food and drink manufacturing. One of the sector's defining characteristics is its national presence, spanning the country in terms of both employment and businesses. We look forward to celebrating with all of them at our Awards ceremony in September."

Trefor Griffith, head of food and beverage, Grant Thornton UK LLP, added: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the Growth Business category again this year. To ensure the food and beverage sector continues to thrive, organisations need to focus on stimulating sustainable growth and it is encouraging to see such a broad range of companies included in the shortlist for this award. The regional variety displays both the strength and reach of the sector across the UK and the important role it plays within the economy."

FDF is the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry - the UK's largest manufacturing sector.

Grant Thornton is one of the world's leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. The UK Grant Thornton member firm provides services to over 40,000 privately held businesses, public interest entities and individuals. It is led by more than 185 partners and employs more than 4,200 of the profession's brightest minds.