A farming enterprise, run by the Hamilton family, Mash Direct grows and produces vegetable and potato side-dishes with listings in all major supermarkets.
ver the years Mash Direct has grown from 70 acres to 1,650 acres of fields “tailored to growing heritage varieties of vegetables”.
As a result, the company now produces over 50 products available throughout the UK and Ireland.
Despite the headwinds of Covid-19 and Brexit, the business celebrated growth in 2020/21 and it is now the top-selling chilled side dishes brand in GB and ROI.
During Covid-19, Mash Direct initiated a campaign to help job seekers find work by launching ‘Feed the Nation NI’ — which included the creation of 30 temporary positions at the business.
The company also delivered over 3,300 packs of Mash Direct products to NHS workers here.
Chief executive Jack Hamilton said: “Lockdown was a big challenge for everyone, and our team did a fantastic job to achieve the growth we did over the past year. This award is for them. It’s a wonderful recognition of the work they’ve put in this year, ensuring shelves were kept full during the pandemic and it’s wonderful to take this back to them and show that their work has been recognised.
“The previous winner of this category, the late Denis Lynn, founder of Finnebrogue, must also be credited for his role in achieving this award. His passing was a huge loss to the agri-food industry, and he has done so much for the sector.”