Mash Direct success in FreeFrom Food Awards

Mash Direct, the Northern Irish producer of convenience meals and 'food to go' has featured in the influential UK FreeFrom Awards 2014.

The company, based on a family farm near Comber in county Down, was "Highly Commended' for its potato, cheese and onion croquette in the annual event which celebrates the achievements and innovation of producers in the developing 'free from' foods category.

Mash Direct was the only Northern Irish producer to gain recognition in this year's awards.

Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct's commercial director, says: "This is important recognition for us as we seek to expand our business in a category that's becoming increasingly significant particularly in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

The award, the latest gained by the Northern Ireland company, comes as the business marks the 10th anniversary of its formation by Martin and Tracy Hamilton to boost income from the family vegetable farm.

The company now has a portfolio of 37 products using potatoes and vegetables grown largely on the farm and steamed in one of the most modern processing units.

It currently employs around 150 people and sells most of its production outside Northern Ireland to major retailers in Britain and Ireland as well as to customers in other parts of Europe, the US and United Arab Emirates. The products are additive-free.

The company has gained a series of prestigious awards from bodies such as the UK Guild of Fine Food, Quality Food and Food Manufacturing Excellence.

The FreeFrom Food Awards were launched in 2008 and now extend to 17 categories. Over 350 entries were received from 150 companies in the 2014 awards.

This year saw the introduction of many new categories including Breakfast, Food-to-go and Vending, Pizza and pasta and After Dinner Foods.

The event was closed by the show's celebrity chef patron, Antony Worrall-Thompson, who has supported the awards since they began.