Meat processors lined up for top industry award in UK and Ireland

The shortlist was released ahead of the final awards ceremony in London at the end of June. They are organised by Food Management Today magazine, the industry’s keynote publication.

The awards is a prestigious and long-established annual initiative celebrating excellence across the British and Irish food industry, especially meat processing. They also reflect the customer-focused innovation driving the industry, Northern Ireland’s most important food category.

The shortlist demonstrates the achievements of local companies collaborating on new product development with major retailers such as Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Lidl.

Products shortlisted were entered from a wealth of leading companies and retailers and have been judged to exacting standards.

The finalists are:

Best New Product Development: M&S Collection Wagyu Topside of Beef – ABP Linden, Dungannon; M&S Collection Blackthorn Salt Dry-Aged King Arthur Sirloin Beef Joint – ABP Linden, also Dungannon.

Best Frozen Product: Frozen M&S Collection Beef Wellington – ABP Linden.

Best Bakery Product: M&S Collection Beef Wellington – ABP Linden.

Best Red Meat Product: M&S Collection Blackthorn Salt Dry Aged King Arthur Sirloin Beef Joint – ABP Linden; Lidl Deluxe Dry Aged 36 Day Matured Aberdeen Angus Ribeye Steaks – Dunbia.

Best Dairy Product: Spar Indulgent Chocolate Ice Cream – Dale Farm.

Food Manufacturer of the Year: ABP Linden; Dunbia.