Local Pilgrim’s Europe talent shines ahead of national Women in Meat Awards
Two women from Pilgrim’s Europe’s Craigavon and Dungannon facilities have been named as finalists in this year’s national Women in Meat Industry Awards.
Now in their seventh year, the Women in Meat Industry Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution women make across all areas of the UK meat sector including production, retail, butchery, innovation, and senior management. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony taking place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on Friday 21 November 2025.
Representing Pilgrim’s Europe are Beatriz Curran, Business Development Manager at the company’s Craigavon site, shortlisted for the Meat Businesswoman Award in Poultry, and Sarah McCabe, Operations Manager at the Craigavon site, who is a finalist for the Rising Star Award.
Beatriz plays a key role within Pilgrim’s Europe’s international poultry team and, in 2025, took on additional team management responsibilities alongside her existing business development duties. Over recent years, she has led groundbreaking work to open new global markets for UK poultry, including first-ever export access and sales into Japan, Mongolia and Vietnam. Working in partnership with government departments including the Department for International Trade and industry bodies, Beatriz has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in driving collaboration across government and industry.
Beatriz said: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted for such a respected industry award. I’m so proud to represent Pilgrim’s Europe and our teams in Northern Ireland, and to see our collective work in opening new markets and building international partnerships recognised in this way.”
Sarah joined Pilgrim’s Europe through its graduate programme before taking time out to travel and later returning to the Dungannon site as an Operations Team Lead in Retail. She has recently been promoted to Operations Manager at the Craigavon site, quickly establishing herself as a strong and inspiring leader. Within just a few months, she has driven measurable improvements in output, team performance and workplace culture, introducing new initiatives and sustainable systems that have strengthened production and efficiency.
Sarah said: “Being shortlisted as a Rising Star is incredibly motivating. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues at Dungannon and now Craigavon and proud of what we’ve achieved together. Pilgrim’s Europe has given me fantastic opportunities to grow, and I’m excited to continue developing my career here.”
Pilgrim’s Europe, leading UK and European food company, operates several sites across Northern Ireland and further afield, and plays a major role in the region’s agri-food industry. The company has congratulated both Beatriz and Sarah on their achievements and recognition at national level.
The 2025 Women in Meat Industry Awards promise to be a highlight of the sector’s calendar, shining a spotlight on the women driving innovation, progress and success across the UK meat industry.