Willowbrook Foods was first established in 1970 by John McCann on the Killinchy site and export vegetables throughout Ireland. The company provides an important market outlet for local farmers who supply the company with a range of crops including carrots, cauliflowers, leeks and salads when in season.
Speaking during her visit to the Killinchy facility, the Minister said: “Willowbrook Foods is a great example of how a small farm-based operation has progressed. It is now one of Ireland’s largest vegetable processing companies. The provision of all ‘own brand’ vegetable and salad products to Musgrave Retail partners, is an example of the quality of their product. Winning the contract to supply additional Co-op depots across Britain and Ireland provides opportunities both for the company and local farmers who form the supply base.
“Farmers should have a look at success stories such as Willowbrook Foods and consider how their farm business could expand or diversify. The new Rural Development Programme offers a wide range of support across the horticulture sector and there may be niche markets waiting to be discovered.”
One of the Department’s aims is to improve the economic performance and competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors. Willowbrook Foods previously upgraded their processing facility, under the Department’s Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant (PMG). The PMG Scheme is an element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, funded under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Notes to Editors:
- Willowbrook Foods now employ around 160 staff and have a turnover in the region of £10million. Over 85% of Willowbrook produce is exported to a range of both retail and food service outlets mainly within the South of Ireland.
- Musgrave Retail Partners supply SuperValu and Centra stores throughout Ireland.
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