Nigel Dunlop, Moy Park chief executive on why the firm is sponsoring the Outstanding Business Team of the Year

How is business with Moy Park?

Under difficult trading conditions, Moy Park performed positively last year and continued to grow sales and market share in fresh poultry and complementary convenience foods as well as expanding into new food products and categories.

Our focus remains on continuous improvement and on delivering highest quality, great value food products to all our customers in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe.

With the recent unprecedented rise in commodity price rises such as wheat, we are currently facing much more challenging times but with the continued support of our people, I believe we are well positioned to continue developing and taking the business forward.

How have things changed since the company became part of the Marfrig group?

Marfrig has been extremely supportive of the Moy Park business since acquisition in 2008. As well as expanding our range of products, Marfrig is committed to continued investment in fresh, high quality locally-farmed poultry.

What has the acquisition of O’Kane Poultry meant for Moy Park? What are the advantages of such growth?

This acquisition has enabled us to increase production and our agriculture base and enter the turkey market.

The benefits of this transaction will enable us to deliver more of the products our customers want, provide employment as part of a successful business and support our suppliers, including farmers in the rural community.

Has Moy Park got any plans for expanding its ranges?

We are excited about the addition of turkey to the product portfolio and the opportunities this presents. Our investment in turkey production, which opened before Christmas at Ballymena, has increased capacity to two million birds per year.

What is your view of the mood among businesses in Northern Ireland?

There will obviously be very different views depending on the sectors in which businesses operate.

In general, however, I believe most companies will be finding the current economic conditions pretty tough.

Often, however, circumstances such as these bring about beneficial change and the well-managed businesses will emerge stronger and more competitive than ever.

How important will the agri-food sector be to pulling Northern Ireland’s economy out of the downturn?

The industry is playing its part in pulling the economy out of the downturn.

It has provided stability and employment throughout the period, which I know a lot of people are thankful for.

The agri-food sector is a stalwart of the local economy, accounting for a high proportion of economic activity, an estimated 20% of private sector employment, approaching 20,000 jobs in processing companies plus an estimated 30,000 in primary production.

We remain fully committed to supporting and developing our farming base, despite the extremely difficult economic circumstances.

What is Moy Park’s view on whether or not the corporation tax rate should be cut?

Both local and foreign investment is key to the economy in Northern Ireland.

Having a beneficial tax environment will be critical to securing profitable business and strong investment in the future.

How important is an event such as the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards to the business community?

This is a showcase for the talent in Northern Ireland. It is an opportunity for people to exhibit their achievements and show the diverse range of rewarding careers in business.

Why is Moy Park sponsoring the Outstanding Business Team of the Year awards?

Our company has achieved its success through the efforts of a great team of people working together.

I think the award title of 'outstanding' is completely appropriate.

Companies have to be better than the competition to succeed in the market place.

Our sponsorship is to recognise a winning team because it is the efforts of outstanding teams that make all the difference to business success.