NI spud supplier scoops Food & Drink award

The innovation demonstrated by Northern Ireland potato supplier Wilson’s Country in launching new and value-added mash products over the past year was cited as a key factor in the business securing the ‘Best Medium Sized Company’ accolade at the 2024 Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards (NIFDA) held on 15 March.

Up until last year, the 30-year-old firm had operated, almost exclusively, within the fresh, non-prepared sector of the fresh produce market.

That changed dramatically with the launch of Wilson Country’s two mash products, Wilson’s Mash and Wilson’s Naked Mash. Both come in 400g ready-to-heat microwaveable packs and are available exclusively in Tesco Northern Ireland outlets.

Company managing director Lewis Cunningham said: “Our objective was to use the potato knowledge that we have built up over many years to craft a market leading consistent quality mash with a unique recipe. It is tremendously encouraging that the commitment put in by everyone within the business in making this happen has been recognised in such a meaningful way by NIFDA.”

Cunningham added: “Both products reflect the growing demand for high quality potato products that also deliver on convenience.”

Cunningham confirmed that Wilson’s Country is now supplying pre-prepared mashed potato into Northern Ireland’s catering sector.

“This is another example of adding value to locally grown potatoes. This is good news for consumers: it is also good news for our growers,” he said.

Demand for potatoes is on the rise in Northern Ireland, Cunningham said: a trend reflected in both retail and catering-related sales.

“Potatoes are now being recognised for their healthy and nutritious properties, as well as being good value-for-money,” he said.

“This is a direct result of the significant research and development work undertaken by companies like Wilson’s Country to profile the health and nutrition-related benefits that are directly associated with the consumption of potatoes.”