Beef Business Booming

The NI Economy Minister Arlene Foster has been getting a flavour of the best of local beef production.

She praised Kettyle Foods in Lisnaskea, for its commitment to developing export markets.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to the company's beef processing plant at Manderwood Park, where she met with Managing Director Maurice Kettyle who explained that Kettyle Foods produces a premium range of dry aged beef from grass fed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford herds.

Ms Foster said: "Kettyle Foods is a successful, ambitious local business, employing 15 members of staff. It has an impressive track record in the development of innovative beef products that meet the demands of customers across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and Europe.

"Underpinning its high levels of success, is a progressive approach to the skills development of its staff, to innovation across the business, including its product portfolio, to customer service and its sharp focus on continuous improvement in all its processes.

"This approach and management's close attention to customer service is enabling the company to win and maintain significant business from some of the most prestigious restaurants, hotels and up-market caterers in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and further afield."

The Minister believes Kettyle Foods is an example to other small food companies of how best to achieve growth in today's competitive markets.

She said: "With the assistance and encouragement from Invest Northern Ireland's marketing initiatives, which include extensive support for the red meat sector, Kettyle Foods has successfully targeted the retail sector, securing contracts with Marks & Spencer and Dunnes Ireland.

"Company sales outside Northern Ireland currently contribute to around 74% of turnover. Overall sales are projected by management to double over the next three years."

The Minister also said she recognised the contribution of the food and drink industry to the economic well-being of rural communities, in particular, across Northern Ireland and is committed to its future growth.

(BMcC)