Tag Archives: Northern Ireland

Prepared veg continues to grow

The demand for prepared and ready to cook vegetable products shows no sign of slowing down as Northern Ireland’s Mash Direct wins a distribution contract with Asda.

The deal will see five lines, including sweet potato mash, leek and potato mash, roast potatoes, turnips and carrot and swede sold in Asda stores across Northern Ireland. Mash Direct’s head of marketing Clare Foster, commented, “Mash Direct is delighted to build upon its existing relationship with Asda. By working closely with the retailer over the past 10 years we have gained an understanding of what the Asda shopper is looking for, and are able to respond with new and innovative products.

“The popularity of our locally-sourced range has seen Mash Direct grow into a £16m turnover company – with continuing expansion plans, including the recent completion of a new 25,000 square foot on-site factory.”

Photo Caption: Mash Direct already supplies a range of products to Asda

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Wilsons invests in Irish potatoes

Leading Northern Irish potato packer Wilson’s Country, based at Craigavon in County Armagh, has installed new cooling technology on its production line as part of an investment programme to capitalise on new market opportunities in the Republic of Ireland.

The company says that it will invest £1.5 million to improve production for the catering sector throughout Ireland, a sector which now accounts for 40 per cent of its total business. Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country, told reporters, “We have made this investment in cooling technology to give our customers in foodservice a peeled product with a good shelf-life that will cook very well.

“We’ve also automated our peeling process and camera sorting to increase efficiency and maintain downward pressure on costs. The investment is designed to increase our ability to compete for new business in foodservice in the Republic.”

The new cooling system, together with new washing equipment will result in a fresher product with more consistent quality says the company.

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