Six from Northern Ireland shortlisted in excellence awards

Six Northern Ireland companies have been shortlisted in the prestigious Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2017, won last year by Mash Direct, the county Down manufacturer of vegetable sides and convenience dishes.

The awards showcase the achievements of UK food and drink companies and individuals, some of whom will win what has been described as the food manufacturing Oscars at a gala dinner in London on 1 November.

The competition includes many of the UK's biggest companies as well as a host of SMEs.

While the size of entrants may differ, all have broken new ground in innovative food and drink manufacturing, new product development, category management and supply chain improvements.

The Northern Ireland food manufacturers shortlisted are:

Davison Canners, Portadown, county Down, a manufacturer of canned fruit, in Chilled Manufacturing Company of the Year;

Mash Direct, Comber, county Down, a manufacturer of vegetable sides and convenience dishes in Chilled Manufacturing Company of the Year and Judges' Star Performer;

UMI Ireland, Armagh, manufacturer of mushroom-based and other dishes in Fresh Produce Manufacturing Company of the Year

Willowbrook Foods, Killinchy, county Down - a manufacturer of pre-packed vegetables and convenience dishes in Fresh Produce Manufacturer of the Year;

Kettyle Irish Foods, Lisnaskea, county Fermanagh, a manufacturer of gourmet meat, in Meat and Poultry Manufacturing Company of the Year and Best New Use of Food Ingredients and Judges' Star Performer; and

Sydney Scott and Sons, Coleraine, county Derry, a manufacturer of onions and other products in Best New Use of Food Ingredients.

The awards are now in their 17th year and feature seven manufacturing categories.

Other entrants include international brands such as Alpen, Weetabix, Bakkavor Foods and ABP