Rising company to watch citation for Mash Direct in Fast 100

Mash Direct, the Northern Irish specialist in ready-to-eat potato and vegetable dishes, all grown and cooked on a family farm at Comber in county Down, has been listed in 'Ones to Watch: 10 rising companies' in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.

The company, a supplier to major supermarkets such as Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury, is the only Northern Ireland business in the list. Founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Martin and Tracy Hamilton on their farm, Mash Direct has sales in excess of £11 million last year and employs 108 people.

The Fast Track 100, which is sponsored by Virgin, focuses on private companies thriving in both domestic and international markets. The track is described as the definitive barometer of growth companies. Companies are ranked on the basis of sales by Fast Track, the Oxford-based firm that researches Britain's top performing enterprises.

The company has gained a series of UK Great Taste Awards for its food. In 2013/14, the company gained one star awards for its potato cakes with bacon, cauliflower cheese gratin and red cabbage and beetroot.

Mash Direct recently signed a UK-wide supply contract with Asda which has seen seven new lines rolled out in 363 stores in England, Wales and Scotland .

The company has experienced rapid growth over the past 10 years, which has seen the company nearly double in capacity.

The new Asda export contract has contributed to the necessity to construct a 25,000 square foot factory this year, as well as job creation across every level of the business to fulfil demand.

The lines range from traditional favourites such as mashed potato to spicy chilli baby bakes - delicious baby potatoes sprinkled with breadcrumbs and seasoned with chilli. The majority of the potatoes and vegetables for the products are sourced fresh from the family farm of company founders Martin and Tracy Hamilton.

Susannah Hassard, regional buying manager for Asda NI and Scotland, says, "We are committed to supporting regional companies and putting Northern Irish suppliers on the map.

"Mash Direct is a superb example of a high quality, Northern Ireland supplier which is continuing to develop and grow. We are delighted to be able to showcase this fantastic local product to a wider audience, and once again highlight the expertise of the Northern Irish agri-food industry."