Mash Direct has won the coveted title Most Innovative Small Manufacturing Company of the Year in the industry Oscars – Food Manufacture’s Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards (FMEAs), recently held at the London Park Lane Hilton in a glittering awards ceremony.

The achievements of the Northern Ireland food manufacturer were recognised in front of hundreds of industry guests, as its Director, Jack Hamilton received the award from Mary Hunter, MD with category sponsor Columbus. They were joined on stage by awards presenter and TV Countryfile star Julia Bradbury.

2013 has been a hugely successful year for the County Down business.  This year Mash Direct have started exporting to Dubai and Abu Dhabi and recently started supplying (a number of)   Asda stores across England.  This success has been recognised at high levels with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, paying Mash Direct a visit this month emphasising how important is it to have local food manufacturers driving the local economy.

The Company has developed the chilled vegetable sector with commercial success being built on a strong technical and engineering background.  This year Mash Direct achieved its fifth consecutive A+ grade BRC accreditation from the prestigious SAI Global Organisation.  It is one of only two ready meal companies in the whole of the UK to achieve the A+ grade this year and the only one in Ireland.

The award judges – led by judging panel chairman Paul Wilkinson – praised Mash Direct’s steady growth and product innovation.

The judges said: “Not only has Mash Direct invested to enable it to meet current demand for its products, it has also launched a number of new products designed to grow its business further afield.”

Rick Pendrous, editor of Food Manufacture, said: “The FMEAs go from strength-to-strength each year in recognising top achievement in the field of food and drink manufacturing. Mash Direct’s holistic approach to expansion and its comprehensive entry made it stand out from other companies this year.”

Also shortlisted in this category were: David Berryman and Windyridge Cheese Co.

The winner of the overall title Food Manufacturing Company of the Year was Premier Foods.

For more information about Mash Direct telephone 028 9187 8316 or email jack@mashdirect.com

For more information about the FMEAs contact Mike Stones, group editor Food Manufacture, at 01293 610 256 or email Michael.stones@wrbm.com.

FMEA awards were made in the following categories:

1)     Ambient Manufacturing Company of the Year

2) Bakery Manufacturing Company of the Year

3) Best New Use of Food Ingredients

4) Chilled & Fresh Foods Manufacturing Company of the Year

5) Dairy Manufacturing Company of the Year

6) Environmental Initiative of the Year

7) Frozen Foods Manufacturing Company of the Year

8) Meat, Poultry & Seafood Manufacturing Company of the Year

9) Supply Chain Initiative of the Year

10) Training Programme of the Year

11) Most Innovative Small Company of the Year

12) Judges’ Star Performer

13) Food Manufacturing Company of the Year

14) Personality of the Year