News

Chocolate or Chips – the battle begins at National Food Awards

It has been an unstoppable year so far for Comber’s family-run farm, Mash Direct, but can they keep up their success when faced up against global giant, Cadburys on Friday?

family-by-lough-namesMash Direct’s Carrot and Parsnip Fries are nominated for The Grocer’s New Product Award this week, which could mean a record-breaking third consecutive win for the company. The only thing that stands in their way is chocolate conglomerate Cadburys who have won the award for the last two years. If this wasn’t enough for the Co. Down farm, they also have the household favourite, Heinz to contend with.

So far, Mash Direct have over 120 accolades to their name and are hoping that their chips won’t be down this Friday at the prestigious awards ceremony in Mayfair, London. Jack Hamilton, Marketing Director said, “This has been a great week for Northern Irish food, what with the two Michelin stars awarded in Belfast. We are honoured to have won the Grocer Award three times in a row, now we are hoping that the judges prefer chips to chocolate to complete the wins this week.”

This award celebrates and rewards outstanding innovation in the food industry and if Mash Direct win this Friday they will not only be the only Northern Irish company to do so, but will be the only British company to gain such an accreditation. Let’s just hope that there will be at least one person left at the farm in Co. Down to bring in the harvest!

Grocer New Product Awards:
— 2016: To be decided on Friday…
— 2015: Mash Direct Vegetable Burgers with Cabbage
— 2014: Mash Direct Potato, Cheese & Onion Croquettes