Mash Direct News & Awards

Now Available in Tesco Northern Ireland

2011-07-06T09:24:00.001+01:00

Mash Direct returns to The Royal Highland Show

2011-06-21T14:22:00.004+01:00

The Royal Highland Show is one of Scotland’s most iconic, enduring and historic brands – an annual showcase of all that’s best in farming, food and countryside. A top summer attraction, the show has seen record-breaking attendances in recent years with the three-year average now standing at 175,000. In 2010, visitor numbers of 187,644 shattered the previous year’s record of 176,522 which in turn beat a figure that had stood for over 50 years!

A visit to the “Highland” - marketed as “The Greatest Show On Earth” - offers a multitude of features to enjoy with prize-winning livestock, the latest farm machinery, fine food and drink, outdoor living and countryside, traditional rural skills, renewable energy, music, cookery demonstrations, forestry events, handcrafts, children’s Discovery Centre, heavy horses, show-jumping, motor zone and shopping arcades just a few of the attractions. All of these are contained within well-signposted designated areas making it easy for visitors to find their way around the showground.

Mash Direct will be taking a large stand at 'The Greatest Show On Earth' where we will be sampling our full range of products including our brand new Mash Pots. Come along and meet the team, we would love to chat to you!

Mash Direct at Dalriada Festival

2011-06-13T12:41:00.000+01:00

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June Best of Northern Ireland produce at Dalriada Festival Food NI set to host Fine Food Marquee at P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV FOOD lovers across Northern Ireland are in for a treat at this year’s P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV as Food NI get ready to showcase the best of Northern Ireland’s fresh local produce.

Food NI will be hosting a Fine Food Marquee, which will be open throughout the weekend and feature a wide range of Northern Ireland’s finest local produce such as Glenarm Organic Salmon and Beef, Comber Potatoes, Harnett Oils, Glastry and Hoys Farm House Ice cream, Bella Jo preserves and award winning products from Boozeberries, Big Ted’s Cookies and Mash Direct.

Womans World Dublin

2011-06-07T14:38:00.005+01:00

Mash Direct took a stand at Womans World Trade Show in the RDS in Dublin over the weekend. This show proved to be a major success and our Mash Pots were top of the menu for a lot of hungry visitors looking for the deal of the show........ as far as we were concerned! Well Done to all the team involved it was busy from start to finish. ( From Left to Right- Brendan, Sam, Clare, Maeve)

Family Fun Day at Stormont 30/05/11

2011-05-25T12:42:00.006+01:00

Monday, 30th May 2011

Stormont Estate once again offered this beautiful location for families to come along and enjoy a fantastic day out when the grounds will be filled with a huge range of fun activities for all ages.

Family Fun Day was organised in support of BBC Children in Need and was a great day out for all that attended. Attractions include kiddies rides, bungee trampolining, giant slides, the popular teddy bears ring which offers competitions for children and their favourite little toys, nine-hole mini crazy golf course, balloon modelling, laser games, a rodeo bull and much much more.

The Mash Bus was at the very front of the Parliament Buildings selling our famous Bangers & Mash all day long. Well Done to all the team that made the event such a success.

Mash Bus: Pulling Power!

2011-05-18T09:47:00.004+01:00

Date for the Diary:

What is bound to be one of the most popular parades this summer season, 100 models (Pose Model Agency) will pull the Mash Bus around Belfast City Hall on Friday 3rd June in association with Comber based Charity Men on a Mission which helps support several projects in Ethiopia. The charity is hoping to raise £10,000 which will be handed over to Shelters in Ethiopia later this year. We hope to see you there. www.1stmenonamission.com

Martin Hamilton Wins Top Farmland Wildlife Award

2011-05-17T12:25:00.002+01:00

ENDANGERED yellowhammer, tree sparrow, Irish hare and field mice are not what you would usually associate with farming on a big scale, but that is precisely what the RSPB found on Martin Hamilton farms, producers of the well-known brand Mash Direct. And so impressed were they that they are the Northern Ireland winners of this year’s Nature of Farming Award.

The annual award is a joint enterprise with the RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, UFU, Plantlife and The Telegraph who run this award to highlight the work that farmers are doing to help the wildlife on their farms.

Martin Hamilton farms and Mash Direct together make up a family-owned innovative farming and food production business. Based near Comber in Co. Down, they grow a wide range of vegetables which are used to produce an extensive range of mash potato and cabbage products under the Mash Direct brand.

Martin Hamilton who along with Mash Direct are the winners of NI Nature of Farming Award.

The farm has actively adopted a range of innovative methods and practices to maximise their positive impact on the environment. These include, integrated farm management, efficiency improvements to minimise carbon emissions and energy consumption, recycling and re-use of water, and ecological approaches to pest and weed control.

“We are delighted to have won this award,” said Martin Hamilton. “The family have had a long held interest in wild life and we hope that this demonstrates that good business can co-exist with good environmental practice.”

Wildlife flourishes on both the Martin’s home farm and at the Mash Direct farm with threatened seed eating farmland birds such as yellowhammer, tree sparrow and linnet using the hedgerows as a breeding ground.

Wild bird cover is sown each year and winter stubbles are retained to help these species sustain themselves over the winter months. Rough grass margins are also maintained which not only benefit breeding birds by attracting insects for them to feed to their chicks but mammals like the Irish hare, shrews and field mice.

Martin’s farm will now be put forward for the next level of the judging process and will hopefully make it through to national level of the award.

Balmoral Show 2011

2011-05-17T09:47:00.007+01:00

Balmoral Show has finished for for another year. Well Done to the Mash Direct Team Clare Watson, Emer Flanagan, Sam Hamilton and Lance Hamilton for a marathon sampling and selling session over the three days. Food NI Marquee was the best yet with thousands of samples being handed out. Mash Pots were officially launched at the Balmoral Show and proved to be a major hit with everyone who tasted the products, all five lines sold out in the closing stages of the show. If this was the last Balmoral Show to be held at The Kings Hall we certainly made the most of it. The Show Season has officially begun!

Next Show:

Dalriada Festival

http://www.dalriadafestival.co.uk/

It's that time of year again!

2011-05-09T09:10:00.002+01:00

The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank is Ireland’s largest Agricultural and Food Show that entertains the whole family.

Around 80,000 people attended the 2010 Balmoral Show. It provides an excellent platform to sell, provide information, introduce new products, raise brand awareness and engage with a considerable and diverse audience.

In 2010 there were over 450 Trade Stands spread throughout the Showgrounds, exhibiting a wide range of products from food, holidays and leisure products to farm equipment, heavy machinery and 4x4 vehicles. Over 80% of these exhibitors return.

Mash Direct will be at the front of the NI Good Food Pavilion where we will be sampling our full range of products and launching our new range MASH POTS. Come along and say hello to our team. Sam, Clare, Lance and Emer.

Ulster Grocer Awards: Best New Product

2011-04-12T09:13:00.006+01:00

There was a record entry to this year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards and the judging panel had a particularly difficult morning at the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast when they met to decide.

The event was held at The Culloden Hotel on Friday 8th April where Mash Direct Potato Cakes from the Farmers Garden Range won the Best New Product Award.

Our potato cakes have been one of the most successful new product launches to date. Officially unveiled at the Balmoral Show last year as part of the Farmers Garden Range, they were initially intended to help achieve a sales boost during the summer season. But following their successful performance and the high level demand over then summer, we realised that there was a high level of demand for potato cakes all year round.

Mash Direct Highly Commended

2011-04-04T11:18:00.003+01:00

Mash Direct have been honoured at this year’s Ulster Bank supported Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards. Winners in nine categories were commended for excellence in new products, training, supplier chain, best restaurant, food programmes and contribution to the industry and received their prestigious awards at Belfast’s Ramada Plaza Hotel on Friday 25^th March. Mash Directs Cauliflower Cheese Gratin, Chilli Baby Bakes and Potato Cakes were Highly Commended in the Best New Product Category.

NEW: MASH POTS

2011-03-26T12:25:00.004Z

The inspiration for the Mash Pot range was to add value to our existing market-leading brand of vegetable accompaniments and to move away from the restrictions of mainly dinner-related products and to offer variety in the much larger lunch-time/in-between meal-time snack market-sector. We have been delighted by the enthusiastic and positive feedback that we have received from our product sampling sessions in Ireland and we are confident that our new range offers significant sales potential within the convenience retail sector and will be suitable for even the smallest stores with limited chilled shelf space.

The Mash Pot range consists of the following five variants, all 225g in weight – providing a generous snack/ready-meal for one: 1. Mashed Potato with Crispy Bacon Bits

2. Cheese & Onion Mash with Crispy Bacon Bits

3. Mashed Potato, Carrot and Parsnip with Crispy Bacon Bits

4. Colcannon* with Crispy Bacon Bits (* Mashed Potato+Savoy Cabbage+onion)

5. Mashed Potato and Swede* with Crispy Bacon Bits (*marketed as Turnip in Ireland and Scotland)

The pots can be microwave or oven heated - just 2&1/2 or 20 minutes respectively - and contain a small plastic fork in each pot.

With calorific values ranging from 80 - 116 Calories/100g, and low fat and low saturate levels in all except the Cheese&Onion (medium) - our MashPots offer a significantly healthier and more filling alternative to the existing choice of sandwiches, rolls, wraps and microwave burgers, subs and panini's. More importantly, they are delicious and offer a welcome alternative for those SOS (Sick of Sandwiches/Saturates!). Our award-winning, steam-cooked and gently mashed root vegetables are well proven in the veg. accompaniment retail sector - The added 'bacon bits' provide the ultimate marriage of convenience' and provide a launch pad into the much broader and exciting world of hot snack foods. Hence our strap-lines: 'Healthy, Handy, Honest and Hot' and 'It's Good Food - Fast' The new range is targeted primarily at working adults who are looking for an alternative to the normal lunch-time snack of sandwiches, rolls & soup. We believe that a hot Mash Pot provides a perfect solution. The fact that our products are significantly healthier than even most low-cal sandwiches, is an added bonus. Our secondary target is 16-24 year old males and females e.g. students.

IFE 2011: Mash Direct N1506

2011-03-03T15:13:00.005Z

Make time for something new…

2011’s largest gathering of international food & drink suppliers will take place at IFE. From big brand suppliers to local & regional producers, over 1100 exhibitors from around the world will showcase thousands of NEW products.

IFE is the only global food and drink event dedicated to showcasing new products, where international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of new and consumer driven products from around the world. The IFE experience invigorates the senses and embodies the spirit of learning and education through its innovation-focussed events programme featuring global trend analysis, thought leadership and face-to-face interaction with senior industry peers.

Mash Direct will be at Stand N1506 sampling our full range as well as some NPD products due to launch in the very near future, come along and be one of the first to see our BRAND NEW RANGE!

If you have not already registered click on the link below:

http://www.cts-online.co.uk/Shows/ife11/Login.asp?SessionID=31303236343838323538373930353039323647&showcode=ife11

Happy Birthday Mash Direct

2011-03-01T10:36:00.002Z

Happy Birthday to Mash Direct!

Today is our 7th Birthday, Thank you to all of our loyal customers for all your support, it's gone incredibly quickly... here's to many more

Farmers Weekly Article providing an insight into Mash Direct Farm

2011-02-28T11:29:00.004Z

Making a decent margin out of vegetable mash

James Andrews

Wednesday 23 February 2011 17:48

Fresh potato and vegetable production was failing to pay its way, so in 2004 Martin Hamilton decided to add value by turning his crop into a healthy, convenience food.

Seven years later he is turning his entire crop into mashed vegetable products which he is supplying directly to major supermarkets.

Potato is the most important crop grown at Ballyrainey House, Comber, Co Down, N Ireland as it is the base for most products. Mr Hamilton devotes 130ha of the 325ha farm to the crop and Maris Piper is his variety of choice. "It gives consistent quality, even tuber size and high dry matter, which is essential for the our products. It also gives us the flavour and taste we need, it cooks well and produces a very even mash."

Potato planting was planned for mid-February, but a sustained wet spell means the tractors are at a standstill. "We do get high enough temperatures to start planting in February, but it's just too wet at the moment. It looks like we won't get going until early March now."

The area suffers from wet weather and drilling opportunities are limited so he runs enough equipment to have two planting teams running in tandem.

Drilling should be completed by the end of May, but the second week of June is his final cut off. Blight is the main agronomic problem and at the peak of blight season he sprays every seven days.

Vegetable growing

Clean ground is essential for vegetable growing so Mr Hamilton leaves at least a four year break between potato crops. Typically he will follow potatoes with a vegetable crop such as carrots, then spring barley and a cabbage crop before returning to potatoes. "Sometimes we squeeze in another barley crop after the cabbage if we think the land still needs a rest."

Some of the 205ha of rented ground is rotated to keep fresh, clean land coming in, he adds.

A Dewulf 3060 self-propelled harvester takes care of all potato lifting as well as some of the carrot and parsnip crops. It can lift 4ha potatoes in a day and can carry 7t on board before needing to unload.

The potato crop needs to last until July when tubers will be available from the new crop so they are kept in a 3000t cold store with temperature probes.

Bare land

Once vegetable crops have been lifted the ground is left bare until the spring drilling campaign starts. Some crops are overwintered and he still has small areas of carrot, parsnip, green cabbage, leek and swede to lift.

Early swede crops are lifted mechanically, but the overwintered portion will have to be picked by hand, says farm manager Gary Adams. "We've got 400t to lift by hand and put in the cold store. These will supply the factory until July."

The crop has been damaged by the harsh winter and 4-5% has been killed by frost, he says. "They are black and easy to spot so we just leave them in the field."

Savoy cabbage has been the biggest winter casualty, but has been hammered by pigeons, not frost, says Mr Hamilton. "They were like swarms of locusts. The sky was grey with them and there was no way we could control them."

The pigeon plague has written off a significant proportion of the crop and he is having to import cabbage to keep the factory running.

Swede is the second most important root crop on the farm and Mr Hamilton plans to establish 40ha this spring.

Boron is crucial for swede performance so he has it incorporated into a special blend from manufacturer Goulding. "Having it incorporated into the fertiliser gives it the best chance of being taken up by the plant."

Flavour

With all vegetable crops he chooses varieties for flavour rather than appearance. "This means we have moved back to some of the older varieties."

Mr Adams looks after the day-to-day running of the farm and is constantly walking fields to check crop condition. "I have an agronomist and a series of advisers to call on if there are any problems, but I walk them all myself."

He is working to reduce artificial inputs and has invested in a Garford Robocrop robotic hoe, which cuts chemical inputs by 25%. He is also experimenting with a garlic and willow sap spray to control cabbage root fly and slugs, and is using Omex's seaweed Bio-stimulant product.

Winter cereals are avoided because autumn trafficing damages the soil structure, but spring barley is grown as a break crop, says Mr Hamilton.

This spring he is putting in 60ha which will be drilled by a contractor. He combines the crop using his own 15ft cut John Deere 1450WTS, but all grain is sold directly off the combine. He hopes to install a drier and grain store on a separate plot at some point to improve margins.

The farm is a LEAF member and won FWAG's Northern Ireland Silver Lapwing award in 2010. This year he plans to enter the farm into the national competition.

Mash Direct

Martin and Tracy Hamilton started the Mash Direct business in 2004 after 20 years struggling to make a profit out of their fresh vegetable crops.

They started by making Champ, an Irish mashed potato recipe containing scallions (spring onions), but quickly branched out into other mashed vegetable products.

Mash Direct now processes 400t of vegetables and potatoes every week into more than 18 different mash products, says Mr Hamilton. "We distribute these throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond, and our products are available in most major supermarkets."

All vegetables are grown, steam cooked and packaged on the farm, he adds. "We use vegetable varieties grown for taste rather than appearance and we have developed a plant on the farm to recreate a traditional cooking style."

A unique masher and three steam cookers were designed specifically for the plant to allow such large quantities to be processed in the traditional way, he says. He also has a custom built root washer and a large-scale peeling machine. From harvest the crop can be processed and in the supermarket within 24 hours, he says.

The farm can't meet all of the factory demands, so some is bought in from local growers and he imports 20% of the material from abroad. Mr Hamilton is considering expanding production by contracting other local growers and is already in discussion with some.

His son, Lance, has recently joined the business and is helping to branch into new markets and adding new products to the line.

Farm facts

Martin Hamilton, Ballyrainey House, Comber, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Martin Hamilton farms 325ha at Ballyrainey House near Comber Co Down with his wife Tracy and son Lance. The family owns 120ha and 205ha is rented.

Soils are a mixture of light and medium loams and all ground is ploughed and cultivated each year.

The ground stretches as far as 20 miles from the base at Ballyrainey House, which is also home to his diversification business Mash Direct.

Potatoes and root vegetables such as parsnips, carrots and swede are the main crops and spring barley is grown as a break crop.

Potato Cakes: Good Food NI Competition 2011

2011-02-25T09:59:00.006Z

Potato Cakes have been entered into The Peoples Choice Awards 2011 in association with Northern Ireland Good Food.

Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner they fit into any part of the day......especially when BBQ season rolls around, here's hoping for a hot summer! Completely unique to the NI food market and I'm sure you will agree absolutely delicious.

Please vote for Potato Cakes to win by clicking on the link below.

http://www.nigoodfood.com/survey.aspx

Quality Food Awards- Carrot Parsnip and Turnip Product 2010 Finalist

2010-11-23T14:51:00.003Z

Now entering their fourth decade, the Quality Food Awards in association with Woman’s Weekly, are widely regarded as the leading food and drink awards. This has not only been achieved through independent, expert and rigorous judging process but also by recognising changes in the industry. Mash Direct's Carrot, Parsnip and Turnip was a finalist in the Fresh Produce Category. Quality Food Awards are a high-powered marketing vehicle which endorses products and sets business' apart from the competition.

Country Living Show Glasgow 2010

2010-11-23T09:05:00.004Z

Last weekend Glasgow’s SECC was once again transformed into the ultimate Christmas emporium.

The show has been getting bigger and bigger every year and there were more than 250 artisans and craftspeople from all over the UK bringing unique and original products along to the show. Mash Direct had an extremely busy stand with almost all lines sold out by the close of the show on Sunday evening. It is a great opportunity to publicise Mash Direct particularly those that have never heard of the company before and also to show new lines which we hope to get listed in Scotland.

Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards: Mash Direct Small Company of the Year

2010-11-04T10:18:00.004Z

Over 400 industry guests gathered at the newly refurbished Savoy Hotel in London on Tuesday 2nd November, as the 2010 Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards winners were announced.

Chris Hollins, BBC sports presenter and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 hosted this year's awards whilst stand-up comedian Paul Thorne provided the evening's entertainment.

Chairman of the judging panel Paul Wilkinson said that this year's entries ‘were universally of a very high standard...reflecting the pre-eminence which UK food manufacturers have achieved to ensure the food sector leads in manufacturing productivity and innovation."

Now in their 10th year, the awards are dedicated to recognising and rewarding the very best food and drink manufacturing companies. They honour and highlight those companies that have displayed progress and achievements through their manufacturing process in this competitive and fast moving industry.

Mash Direct won the Small Company of the Year Award against very strong competition. (photos to follow)

Mash Direct into Morrisons

2010-10-29T08:51:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to announce that our Carrot and Parsnip and Mashed Potato will be available in all Morrisons stores from Monday morning onwards. They will be on a special introductory offer so you can fill your fridges!

Mash Direct Farm- Silver Lapwing Award 2010 Winner

2010-10-27T14:39:00.003+01:00

This competition again attracted a high level of enquiries with three farms being selected for final judgement. The FWAG Silver Lapwing Award, now in its 31st year, is one of the UK's most prestigious farm conservation competitions. The award recognises the work of farmers across Northern Ireland who demonstrate outstanding commitment to farming and environmental management. GaryAdams (Farm Manager) along with Martin and Tracy Hamilton received the award at a ceremony at Loughry College last night.

BBC Good Food Show Glasgow

2010-10-12T16:34:00.004+01:00

Join us in celebrating Scotland's rich food heritage at the BBC Good Food Show Scotland. Packed with celebrity chefs, a tempting variety of local produce and plenty of entertainment including the arrival of MasterChef. Mash Direct will be sampling and selling our full range of products at stand SP1. Sam, Clare, Heather, Lance and Lee will be happy to talk to you.

Mash Direct Exhibiting at Eco Show- Kings Hall Belfast- This Weekend

2010-10-05T12:10:00.006+01:00

Mash Direct will be Sampling
and
Selling
our full range at the Eco Show this coming weekend at the King's Hall Belfast:
8-10 October 2010

Opening Times

Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm

Entrance only £5.00,under 16's free when accompanied by an adult.

Learn how to live more sustainably, reduce waste and save money in your home and business. Eco Show is a 'first' in Europe, it's good news for you, the economy and the planet. There are seven Eco Zones:

Food

Business

Health & Lifestyle

Transport

House and Home

Energy

Information

Potato Cakes Win - Best of Irish Product of The Year 2010

2010-09-30T14:31:00.009+01:00

(Our new award) (Brendan and Ciara)

Mash Direct- Chocolate Festival

2010-09-27T11:52:00.006+01:00

The Mash Direct Team had a fantastic day yesterday at the Chocolate Festival at Killyleagh Castle. Being one of the main sponsors of the event our bus was washed and ready to go from the early hours of Sunday morning and we were set up by 11 ready for all the hungry festival goers. The day started off at a steady pace but by lunch time the queue the whole way down the street. We sold over 500 Bangers and Mash portions and a great day was had by all.

Garden Party Belfast

2010-09-17T09:27:00.003+01:00

11am – 6pm (12.30pm - 6pm for the Autumn Flower Show)

The Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party, which is jointly organised by Belfast City Council and Tesco, takes place in Botanic Gardens over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.. Come and try our new products as well as old favourites, see some of Belfast`s leading chefs cooking up a storm, enjoy activities in the Kid's Zone, and soak up live music and entertainment - and it's all for free!

2010-09-02T15:41:00.004+01:00

Mash Direct are the proud sponsors of a new show starting next Monday night (6th September) at 20:00. Fabulous Food Adventure takes viewers on a mouth-watering journey around Ulster. Celebrity guests are sent out to source local produce, which is then transformed into a delicious 'county dish' by a selection of chefs. There are four programmes in total. The first programme will feature former boxer Barry McGuigan and TV cook Jenny Bristow search for the best produce from the Province, starting with a visit to Co Antrim, where the menu includes trout and brie tart, squash risotto, black pudding salad and plum and apple upside-down pudding. They also take a fly-fishing lesson on the banks of the River Maine in Cullybackey, before dinner is served at Phantom House.

http://www.u.tv/Lifestyle/Boxer-in-food-adventure-with-Jenny-Bristow-/424cafcc-fa85-41b3-b138-e339023c0f88

New Product Launch

2010-08-31T13:56:00.004+01:00

Introducing two new lines to the Mash Direct Range. We have been working very hard over the summer months testing and trialling recipes and here they are.

Cauliflower Cheese gratin- quite possibly the most popular prepared vegetable products of all time. We have put our own personal spin on the recipe by adding gratin and our secret cheese sauce. Fresh cauliflower provides the home made flavour we achieve with all of our products.

Chilli Baby Bakes- a new addition to the Farmers Garden Range. We use whole baby potatoes sprinkled with our unique breadcrumb and chilli seasoning. Ready to bake and enjoy!

Fermanagh County Show

2010-07-29T15:35:00.002+01:00

The Mash Bus will be attending the Fermanagh County Show on the 3rd and 4th August. Fun for the whole Family with lots to see and do. Come and try our legendary Bangers and Mash as well as the full range of Mash Direct products. Please click on the title for further details.

Mash Direct achieve A* for BRC unannounced audit

2010-06-08T14:24:00.003+01:00

Mash Direct have just been awarded an A* grade after an unannounced British Retail Consortium Audit two years in a row. This is a phenomenal achievement and congratulations must go to the Technical and Production team for all of their hard work that goes into achieving this grade. Mash Direct are the only company in Northern Ireland to be awarded an A* Grade.

The BRC Global Standard is a suite of four industry-leading Technical Standards that specify requirements to be met by an organisation to enable the production, packaging, storage and distribution of safe food and consumer products. Certification to a BRC Standard demonstrates that products are manufactured and handled to a specified Standard to help ensure their safety and quality.

Prime Minister visits Mash Direct 20/05/2010

2010-05-21T10:18:00.007+01:00

David Cameron took time out of his very busy schedule to visit Mash Direct yesterday before flying to Paris to meet with President Sarkozy. The Prime Minister was taken on a tour of our factory before signing the visitors book in the Mash Bus. Secretary of State Owen Paterson and Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster were also shown around the plant for the first time. It was Cameron's first visit to a business since becoming Prime Minister.

It's that time of year again!

2010-05-07T10:25:00.003+01:00

Mash Direct will be exhibiting in the Good Food Pavillion at the Balmoral Show 12th- 14th May at Stand 26 8:30am-8pm.

The Mash Direct team will be sampling our full range of award winning mashed potato and vegetable products giving consumers the chance to taste and buy new recipes including our NEW Farmers Garden Range Potato Cakes and Baby Bakes. These dishes are perfect for any summer occasion especially Barbeques. Recipe suggestions are available in the Good Food Cookery book- why not try our new summer recipes at home.

Hundreds of trade stands will be spread throughout the Showgrounds, offering visitors a wide range of products from organic foods, holidays and leisure products to agri machinery, equipment and 4x4 vehicles. Around the Showgrounds there will be lots more to keep the crowds entertained, including Dog Agility competitions, Garden Village, Team Extreme, Sheep Shearing, Balmoral Food Village, Children’s Farm, Motocross Displays, Ladies Style Centre and Craft Village to name a few.

New Products: Farmers Garden Range

2010-04-26T11:26:00.008+01:00

Say hello to an interesting new launch - Farmers Garden Range. Each one is made from the finest veg with fresh herbs and spices. Ready in minutes, with no faff or fuss. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner or even just for a quick snack. Perfect for any summer occasion especially Barbeques. They will be available in Centra, Dunnes NI, Spar Hendersons Group, Supervalu and Tesco with other retailers stocking them in a store near you very soon. Introducing:

Potato Cakes

4 freshly baked cakes of potatoes, scallions and cheese with a hint of ground black pepper. Perfect accompaniment for a summer barbeque or hot from the oven; Please send us your recipe suggestions, we would love to hear from you.

Baby Bakes

Hand cut baby potatoes sprinkled with breadcrumbs and seasoned with herbs ready for you to bake and enjoy. An ideal accompaniment to any meal.

ENJOY!!

Mash Direct Wins Trio at IFEX 2010

2010-04-14T12:42:00.002+01:00

Mash Direct were awarded three awards at IFEX -Northern Ireland’s largest international Food, Drink, Hospitality and Retail Exhibition held at the Kings Hall, Belfast from 23rd -25th March. Mash Direct were exhibitng at stand C6 where a judging panel from the hospitality and media industry sampled products to decide which company fulfilled their criteria. Mash Direct were announced winners at the end of the opening day receiving the following awards:

Best Grocery Retail –Winner- Batoned Carrots in a tangy orange sauce

Best Grocery Retail-Higly Commended- Mashed Potato

Best Northern Irish Food Produce-Highly Commended- Champ

This event proved to be another success story for Mash Direct winning overall product of the show. We were delighted to host distinguished guests such as:

Celebrity Chef James Martin

Minister of Enterprice-Arlene Foster

Minister for Employment and Learning-Sir Reg Empey

The event coincided with ‘The Great Belfast Food Week’ organised by Belfast City Council in conjuction with promoting local food producers. This event highlights the importance of supporting the local food industry.

Food & Drink Expo 2010

2010-03-12T09:20:00.001Z

Mash Direct will be exhibiting at the Food & Drink Expo at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from Sunday 21st – Wednesday 24th March. The 2010 Expo will be the largest UK food and drink trade exhibition bringing together all sectors of the food and drink market – retail, foodservice, wholesale and manufacturing. With over 600 exhibitors all under the one roof, it is the perfect event for buyers and suppliers to meet and develop long term relationships. This premier event promises to be an unmissable experience for all involved.

Come and visit the Mash Direct team at stand T160/4 and sample our full range of award-winning products fresh from our farm.

Mash Direct Wins Gold at The Grocer Awards 2010

2010-02-18T09:55:00.009Z

Mash Direct are winners of the Chilled Savoury category at the Grocer Awards 2010. Our Red Cabbage and Beetroot achieved a Gold Award. The Grocer leads the market as the only paid for weekly magazine to serve the food and drink retail sector.The Grocer is read right across the industry from directors of large multiples to independent retailers, as well as growers, food processors and manufacturers. You can read about the awards by clicking on the link below:

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=207454

Let them eat Mash cake???

2010-02-09T12:00:00.007Z

Over the last 5, very nearly 6 years, we have been sent a number of recipe suggestions but this definitely tops the list as being the most bizarre! Mash Potato Lemon Drizzle Cake- the full recipe is available in the recipe section. If you attempt to make it please send us the photos or even a slice or two........ it's nearly our Birthday after all.

Love is in the Mash

2010-02-09T10:57:00.006Z

Love is in the air at Mash Direct. We have changed our standard sleeves especially for Valentines Day. After great feedback from our Christmas sleeve selection the Mash team have decided that innovative sleeves should be a regular thing. If you think we are missing a trick please let us know; we would only be delighted to talk to you.

Neeps and Tatties Launch

2010-01-15T12:20:00.004Z

Burns Night is fast approaching and in honour of this event Our Neeps and Tatties product will be readily available across the UK in all Tesco and Sainsburys stores from Monday 18th January.

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems including "Auld Lang Syne," which is generally sung as a folk song atHogmanay and other New Year celebrations around the world. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day orBurns Night (Burns Nicht), although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.

First delivery into the USA

2010-01-08T12:55:00.004Z

Our first Shipment is now on its way to New York! Products will be available in Food Ireland stores in the USA, another milestone reached.

The Grocer Magazine- Food and Drink Finalist 2010

2010-01-08T10:02:00.003Z

Mash Direct has been named as a finalist in The Grocer Food Awards 2010 in the Chilled Savoury category. The Grocer leads the market as the only paid for weekly magazine to serve the food and drink retail sector.The Grocer is read right across the industry from directors of large multiples to independent retailers, as well as growers, food processors and manufacturers. 2010 Finalists The Grocer Food and Drink awards:

www.thegrocerfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk

Mini Mash Mobile

2010-01-04T14:12:00.010Z

We sell our products all over the place, so we needed a vehicle that could transport us around to visit our customers. We settled on this Fiat 500. The proud driver of our new Mash Machine is Ciara O'Rourke from Cork so if you see her out and about give her a wave. We've got a number of promotional vehicles these days from Fiat 500's to a Double Decker Bus, so if you see them around please say hello to our drivers they would be delighted to talk to you. PS We've also got some Mini Mash Vans here at the farm as well, although they are smaller than the regular vans, they don't feel inferior and are very useful for making urgent deliveries.

Merry Christmash!

2009-11-30T11:57:00.004Z

Look out for our new Christmas packaging in stores from today. Mash Direct have got the Christmas spirit and in the month of December we have changed our regular sleeves for something a little more festive.

Mash Direct Bus: In the right place at the right time

2009-11-27T10:38:00.003Z

The Mash Bus was out on its daily route around Belfast yesterday when Alec the driver heard an unexpected thud. Looking in his mirrors he was surprised to see three PSNI officers pinning a man to the side of the bus. The man had been involved in a robbery on a very busy high street and as he ran around the corner, not looking where he was going, ran straight into our bus parked at the traffic lights. Always happy to be of assistance.

New Product Launch

2009-11-11T09:50:00.004Z

We have just launched the newest addition to the Mash Direct range; Batoned Carrots in a tangy orange sauce. This consists of our farm’s own carrots, sliced then perfectly cooked with a delicious tangy orange sauce. Find them in a store near you soon.

Mash Direct- Company of the Year Award Winners

2009-10-19T09:50:00.007+01:00

On Friday 16th October 2009 Mash Direct was announced as Company of the Year at the UTV Business Eye Awards ceremony at the Culloden Hotel. Mash Direct was selected from hundreds of businesses from across Northern Ireland. This was the third annual UTV Business Eye awards run in association with the Bank of Ireland (Scotland) to recognise the success and contributions of local business organisations and individuals in both the private and public sector. This is a major success story for Mash Direct who were selected and recognised for their success and positive impact to the Private Sector in Northern Ireland over the past twelve months. Mash Direct have made a major contribution to the local economy and food industry despite challenging economic conditions. Brenda Buckley, Business Eye magazine said- "current economic conditions had made little impact on a record entry for the UTV Business Eye Awards. We had a really high quality entry across no less than 16 different categories, and our judging panel faced some very difficult decisions in some of those categories." Hugh Donnelly, Head of Regions North at Bank of Scotland (Ireland) who presented the award said:“Economic times may be tighter this time around, but it is still vitally important that we recognise outstanding performance in both the private and public sectors, and that best practice is highlighted for all to see.

Mash Direct Finalist for a National Business Award

2009-10-13T10:36:00.006+01:00

Mash Direct are delighted to announce that we have been short listed in The Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award Category. The National Business Awards are the UK’s most prestigious business recognition platform with its particular emphasis on success, innovation and ethical business. The National Business Awards connects the nations’ professionals through its annual awards ceremonies, year-round marketing and promotional activity and is United Business Media’s leading awards programme. Winners will be unveiled at a glittering gala award ceremony on 10th November at the Grosvenor House hotel in London.

Mash Direct to attend BBC Good Food Show Glasgow

2009-10-09T11:50:00.003+01:00

Mash Direct will be exhibiting at the SECC in Glasgow from Friday 30th October - Sunday 1st November. This year's BBC Good Food Show Scotland is packed with new attractions and gourmet foods with over 200 producers and some of TV's top celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, James Martin and The Hairy Bikers. Come and visit the Mash Direct team at stand SP1 and sample our full range of products fresh from our farm.

Mash Direct receives Royal seal of approval

2009-09-29T14:07:00.008+01:00

2009 has already been a very busy year for Mash Direct, from launches of New Product's, Television Advertising Campaigns to achieving an A* grade at BRC level to name but a few but perhaps the most prestigious of all was a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of York.

On Thursday 17th September a motorcade of Range Rovers drove up Mash Direct's lane. Prince Andrew was greeted by Martin and Tracy Hamilton as well as distinguished guests and proceeded to the board room, the Duke then met with Mr Tony Reid, Mr Neil Houghton and Mr Lance Hamilton, a presentation of Mash Direct's history and achievements was made before beginning a tour of the facilities.

HRH talked with Gary Adams, Farm Manager, and viewed the onboard controls of the De Wulf harvester. He declined a ride on the machine but watched a demonstration of the harvester in action. The tour then moved inside the factory itself where HRH was met by Joan Brown, Technical Manager and Stanley Hill, Production Manager, along with a number of our production team who were busy at work.

The tour was concluded with a meeting in Mash Direct's double decker Bus and had the opportunity to sample many of our products and discuss future opportunities. HRH then signed our visitor's book before leaving for the next engagement.

Mash Exhibits at Taste Northern Ireland Event

2009-09-29T09:47:00.007+01:00

Hosted by Tesco, The Taste Northern Ireland Food Show took place in Belfast’s Custom House Square on the 11th and 12th of September, it was created to showcase Northern Irish suppliers base directly to customers and to heighten awareness of the breadth and quality of local and seasonal produce available. Over the two days visitors were able to discover, try and buy the very best produce that Northern Ireland had to offer, whilst experiencing the personal enthusiasm of those who grow and produce Northern Ireland food and drink; from tasting delicious new products to rediscovering old favourites. The Mash Direct team(Paul, Sam, Lance and Clare) were right in the thick of it sampling and selling the full range of products including the new individual pots. Over 9,000 people attended the show during the weekend and a great time was had by all. Bring on the next event!

Mash Direct TV Advertisement

2009-09-28T10:15:00.005+01:00

Mash Direct: First Ever TV Commercial

We are delighted to announce that we have taken our next big step in the world of advertising and have made our very own TV advert! It will be aired on UTV/ITV across the whole of Ireland and eventually the rest of the UK. Take a look and let us know what you think, if you have problems viewing on the site pop over to our page on www.youtube.com

Tall Ships Mash Party

2009-08-19T07:37:00.005+01:00

The Mash Bus stopped in Custom House square in the centre of Belfast last week to feed thousands of hungry families visiting the Tall Ships event. There was a great party atmosphere and a big crowd. Mash Direct teamed up with Concern Worldwide for a colouring competition and many other sponsors raised money and provided activities for the Belfast residents and tourists who flocked to the Lagan waterfront over the four days of the ships' visit.

Many thanks to all of you who helped...and to those of you who tried the great Bangers and Mash at the Bus!

Sampling Teams make an impact!

2009-07-22T10:30:00.005+01:00

The Mash Direct sampling Teams are spreading across Ireland, both north and south of the border, to spread the good word about all our products - old favourites AND new classics. If you want to push sales in your store, watch the video and call the number on the screen to arrange a visit from the Team. Ask for Clare...

If you are passing through George Best Belfast City Airport from now onwards, take a look at the video screens in the departure lounge...our new video is playing there...

Highland Fun at Glenarm Castle with Mash

2009-07-20T15:11:00.005+01:00

Glenarm Castle Highlander Challenge Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th July - Mash Direct and the sampling and tasting Team Clare, Caspar and Lance were there again... Celebrity chef, Jenny Bristow was in the Fine Food Marquee to cook up some great recipes with local produce - including Mash Direct. Danny Millar (Great British Menu Finalist) was also there.

Other attractions at the Highlander Challenge included: livestock competitions, rare breeds, Scottish and Irish Dancing and traditional music, solo piping and drumming competitions, traditional crafts, Chainsaw wood sculpting, funfair rides, Wall of Death, quality food outlets and trade stands as well as some new entertainment and displays. This really was a great day out for all the family, with something for everyone.

Thank you to all who came to visit us at the show...and thank you for the many great comments that we received. Don't forget to visit http://www.mashdirect.com/ and leave a comment if you have a question or idea.

Mash Direct Mash Bus at The Tall Ships

2009-06-30T11:44:00.006+01:00

Mash Direct will be centre stage at Belfast's event of the decade when we take the Mash Bus to town at the Energy Saving Trust Gateway to the Tall Ships at Custom House Square from the 13th to the 16th of August this year.

There will be fun and games all day each day, local and world music performers, evening family friendly concert events and of course, great bangers and mash meals from the Mash Bus...

For tickets and more information go in person or call:

Belfast Welcome Centre

47 Donegall Place, Belfast

BT1 5AD

Open 9am – 7pm Mon – Sat Email: welcomecentre@belfastvisitor.com

or follow this link to book online directly:https://kiosk.iristickets.co.uk/k?BWC&chq&promo=chsq

Conditions of entry:

No alcohol or glass ware is permitted on site. A bar service will be available.No dogs except guide dogs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

We believe the site to be accessible to users with a wheelchair or those with a disability but should you have any special requirements please contact the Smallworld Office in advance on 028 90 641107 and we will try to accommodate you in any way we can.

Mash Direct Exhibiting at Royal Highland Show Scotland

2009-06-16T15:37:00.011+01:00

Another Success in Scotland

Mash Direct exhibited at the annual Royal Highland Show at Ingliston in Edinburgh, the four day event took place 25th-28th June 2009.

Mash Direct was in the Lowland Hall stand number A15 and thousands of event guests indulged in locally produced mash and root vegetables fresh from our farm.

Record numbers attended this year and the Mash Team had to work hard to keep up!

The Royal Highland Show: http://www.royalhighlandshow.org/ this tear had:

Three royal visits, Her Majesty The Queen, HRH Princess Royal and HRH Princess Alexandra. Homecoming celebrations with Borders Ridings display, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Native Livestock Breeds, clan and tartan history, whisky nosing and a taste of haggis! Dennis the Menace at the Children's Discovery Centre 15 of Scotland's top chefs showing their skills with Scottish food and drink....and of course...Mash Direct!

Hillsborough Garden Mash!

2009-06-08T16:29:00.005+01:00

Garden Show Ireland Annual Garden Festival in Hillsborough County Down (5th-7th June 2009) Set within Hillsborough Castle grounds, against the magnificient backdrop of Hillsborough Castle, the Garden Festival returned in June for another 3 days of horticulture at its finest. The Mash Direct Team was of course there to add some substance to the event and show off our great new 200g 'Mash for one' portion pots... The Garden Festival took place once again in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle. Almost 30,000 visitors flocked to this unique event in 2007 & 2008 and the 2009 Garden Festival captured the same magic of its historic setting as green fingered gardeners and budding enthusiasts alike gathered to admire the floral displays and listen to the expert advice on hand while the deckchair gardeners sit at the bandstand and enjoy their fresh grown vegetables!.

Mash Direct Wins ALL IRELAND MARKETING AWARD 2009

2009-06-01T16:55:00.011+01:00

On Thursday 14th May 2009 Mash Direct were announced the winner of the Small Business Marketing Award sponsored by Ulster Bank at Dublin's Burlington Hotel. Mash Direct were selected from 650 marketing executives and business leaders all over Ireland. The judges commended Mash Direct for the way in which an entrepreneurial marketing mindset, in a small business created opportunity out of difficulty to develop a strong success story. Responding to the success of Mash Direct, Martin McBride, chairman of the Marketing Institute of Ireland’s Northern Ireland branch, said “It is more important now than ever that we focus on professional marketing, and the success of Mash Direct is an inspiration to us all in the SME sector of what can be achieved even in difficult circumstances.

Pictured left is John Boyle Ulster Bank sponsor of Small Business Marketing Award 2009 with award winners Martin Hamilton and Neil Houghton of Mash Direct.

Balmoral Show Resounding Success

2009-05-18T14:29:00.001+01:00

The Balmoral Show was once again a resounding success for Mash Direct. Members of the public did not let the rain deter them from supporting the show and sampling delicious locally produced food. Mash Direct linked up with NI Good Food is in Our Nature to promote their products in the food pavilion alongside nine other local food companies. DETI Minister Arlene Foster and DARD Minister Michelle Gildernew showed their support by visiting our stand and spoke to us about the continuing success of Mash Direct. European Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel also took the time to visit the Mash Direct team.

The Balmoral show was a great opportunity for Mash Direct to showcase our products to various retailers and raise brand awareness of our product lines with consumers.

Mash Direct Support Local School Group

2009-04-22T14:28:00.006+01:00

SCHOOL VISIT HUGE HIT WITH THE KIDS!

Oakwood School visited Mash Direct on Tuesday 21st April to learn about how vegetables are grown and where they come from. The kids enjoyed their fun filled day of activities including: mashing potatoes, watching the fields get ploughed and having an opportunity to sit in the big green John Deere tractor. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the kids and staff for visiting our farm. The staff at Mash Direct really enjoyed the kids visit.

Follow: http://www.oakwoodschoolandassessmentcentre.ik.org/gallery/home.ikml for more photos...

Mash Direct Irish National Winners Family Business at the Ulster Bank Awards!

2009-03-13T08:46:00.008Z

In the photo: Richard Ennis, Director, Business Banking NI, Ulster Bank, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment , Martin Tracy and Jack Hamilton of Mash Direct.(Thanks to www.businessachieversaward.com for photo)

Last night, the 12th of March, Tracy and Martin Hamilton, co-owners and Directors of Mash Direct were in Dublin at the Finalists' Ceremony and prize-giving of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards.

We had already won the regional trophy in the 'Family Run Business' Category - see the link below to the diary post of that award - (http://mashdirectnewsanddiary.blogspot.com/2009/01/ulster-bank-business-achievers-award.html) and now we have picked up the National Irish Award in this Category too...

The National judging process was more rigorous at this, the National Awards level - follow this link to see a full list of the judging panel: http://www.businessachieversaward.com/judges.php

NI Good food Competition - Vote for Mash Direct!

2009-03-04T16:31:00.003Z

Mash Direct's Carrot and Parsnip has been nominated for the People's Choice award by NI Good Food.

Click on the picture and vote for your favourite Northern Ireland product.

The winner will be announced at the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) ceremony on Friday 13th March 2009.

Mullahead Mash Success

2009-03-04T09:08:00.003Z

The Mash Bus attended the Mullahead Ploughing Match on Saturday the 28th of February. We all had a great deal of fun - as you can see from the picture of Alison and Clare from Mash Direct... Particularly thank you to Kenny Gracey and the kind folks at Tesco for all their support!

Savoy Cabbage - Home Grown at Ballyrainey Farm

2009-02-19T10:42:00.007Z

Fresh from the farm here at Ballyrainey, Savoy Cabbage is sorted to be added to Mash Direct recipes. We're very proud of our vegetables and as you can see, these cabbages are fantastic!

IFE - International Food & Drink Event.

2009-02-04T13:18:00.004Z

15-18 March at ExCel in London. IFE09 is the ultimate product sourcing event for buyers in retail, foodservice, wholesale, distribution and manufacturing. Don't miss your opportunity to meet over 1300 suppliers from over 40 countries including Mash Direct Stand Number N3230.

Click on this link to be taken to an application form for a free visitors pass to come and see us at our stand: http://www.ife.co.uk/mashdirect

See you there....

CATEX Exhibition 'Product of Show' & 'Overall Show Winner' for Mash Direct!

2009-02-04T12:38:00.009Z

Mash Direct - winners of: 'Product of the Show, Best Food and Beverage Product' for the Mash Direct Range and 'Overall Winner' of the entire Show. CATEX - Ireland's Definitive Food Service Event was held from the 9th to the 11th of February at RDS Simmonscourt Dublin 4. Mash Direct was at Stand number K47 and we were in the awards again... CATEX has firmly established itself as Ireland’s premier showcase of equipment, services, and food and beverage products for the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Launched in 1965, CATEX has developed over the years into a complex mix of trade stands, live competitions, demonstrations, workshops, and seminars. The Catering Equipment Association (owners of CATEX) continue to invest heavily into the content of the show, and along with their Industry partners (Including The Panel of Chefs of Ireland, The Restaurant Association of Ireland, The Catering Managers Institute, The Bartenders Association of Ireland, The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, and the Irish Hospitality Institute) have further enhanced the appeal of the show with additional features for CATEX 2009 such as a dedicated speciality food market, an energy management pavilion, and two state of the art international hot kitchens which play host to six international teams competing against each other over three days.

Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award for Mash Direct

2009-01-21T10:24:00.015Z

Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards recognised Mash Direct in its Family Run Business Category - as the Provincial Winner! We now progress into the National Finals along with the seven provincial winners from each province. Thus, a total of 28 companies will be judged by the national judging panel (4 in each category). All national finalists will be invited to make a business pitch “Dragons Den” style to the national judging team - Finalists will receive expert advice, mentoring and feedback from the judges at this stage. National judges are: - Eddie Brown – Head of Invoice Finance, Ulster Bank. - Maeve Dinneen - Business Editor for The Irish Independent. - Pat Maher – Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland. A gala event will take place on March the 12th 2009 in Dublin to announce the national winners in each category and an overall winner. You can find more about the process here: http://www.businessachieversaward.com/judging_process.php Photo: Adrian Garvey, Martin and Tracy Hamilton of Mash Direct and Ulster Bank's Head of Business Banking Henry Elvin

Mash Direct wins prestigious UK award!

2008-11-24T09:12:00.002Z

Mash Direct Director Tracy Hamilton attended a gala dinner last week in London where Mash Direct was awarded the Food Manufacture Excellence award for Small Company of the Year. The judges highlighted Mash Direct as “an admirable example of a farm business that had successfully diversified into making all-natural mashed vegetable products for the microwave and oven”. We were also a finalist in the ‘Chilled Ready Meals and Prepared Foods category.

Tracy said: “This award is a marvellous endorsement of the quality of the business and of our commitment to excellence in the manufacture of our extensive range of natural and wholesome products. “The judging panel, made up of industry experts, were looking for all round excellence in food manufacturing over the previous year. It was a very exacting process that required us to show our commitment across a number of business areas including manufacturing process, customer service, sales turnover, market growth and new product development. “Other areas that came in for consideration included health and safety, environmental measures such as waste reduction, and how we develop our people. “They looked closely at our business and clearly decided that we measured up exceptionally well on all these important business areas. The recognition for excellence will be of tremendous benefit as we continue to develop our sales in Great Britain and other neighbouring markets,” she added.

Mash Direct at UTV Business Eye Awards

2008-11-20T07:25:00.002Z

Mash Direct attended the UTV Business Eye Awards where we were shortlisted into the final three with companies like Bombardier Aerospace for the Company of the Year Competition. Judges included UTVs Business correspondant Jamie Delargy, Business Eye editor Richard Buckley as well as leading local business journalists. 'We had a really high quality of entry...'and our judging panel faced some very difficult decisions...'

Mash Direct win at The National Irish Food Awards

2008-10-20T09:53:00.000+01:00

Mash Direct have been honoured withe two awards at The National Irish Food Awards.

Our Carrot, Parsnip & Turnip mix, one of the most popular of the range, was given a Bronze Medal by the judges and Broccoli with a Cheese Sauce, from the new products, was awarded a Silver Medal.

'There were a huge number of entries, and many of the categories were extraordinarily competitive. The winners of all medals are to be heartily congratulated!' said the Irish Food Awards website.

The 5th of October 2008 prize-giving with medals in 18 categories, rewards excellence by companies creating the best-tasting foods made in Ireland. All food entries must be made on the island of Ireland by companies registered in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

A group of Irish food producers and grocers organise the Blas na hÉireann National Irish Food Awards to bring increased attention to the high quality of Irish foods, especially to the Irish public.