Willowbrook Foods is a fresh food producer and processing company, based on the McCann family farm in Killinchy. Family-owned, Willowbrook Foods was officially established in 1968 following the company’s Founder and CEO John McCann, MBE deciding to farm vegetables on his father’s land to sell the produce in local markets. Over half a century later, Willowbrook Foods is an industry leader with major partnerships under its belt. Here, we speak with Commercial Director, Fiona McMullan to learn more about Willowbrook Foods’ journey to success. Best Food Production Company 2024 – Northern Ireland For over five decades, Willowbrook Foods is a leading fresh food producer and processing company that creates a variety of products to be exported throughout the UK and Ireland. The company has established itself as the largest processor of lettuce bags and salad in Northern Ireland and Ireland. “Our goal is to be recognised as the best producer and supplier of fresh, convenient, quality, and innovative products in the market we serve,” says Fiona. “We pride ourselves on listening to our customers’ needs, sharing out leadership in innovation, excellence, and delivering a quality product consistently.” The company has formed partnerships with major retail stores across Ireland and the Mainland to offer a range of salad lines, prepared vegetables, stir-fry and noodle kits, deli salads, cooked products, and food to go. Willowbrook Foods provides stores with both core and added value lines to ensure that customers have a variety of options to suit their budgetary needs. Willowbrook Food additionally supplies several iconic High Street brands with fresh ingredients to be used in making pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Not only this, but the company also provides casual, fast-food restaurant chains with bespoke salads that are delivered by the UK’s leading food distributors. In addition to retail and food service, Willowbrook Foods also offers aids the manufacturing field of the sector. “A growing part of our developing business sits with support to the industrial and ready meal market sector across Great Britain and Ireland,” Fiona says. “Being able to provide quality, assurance, and consistency to our customers in this sector means they can evolve their offerings and range into the retail and wholesale sectors with confidence.” The company has maintained a frontrunning position in the market for almost 60 years, a feat that can only be accomplished by paying close attention to industry changes whilst retaining an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence. The food and beverage manufacturing industry is a constantly evolving landscape that is as fickle as the public’s diet, which makes it crucial that any business hoping to dominate the market remain adaptable to changing tastes. As the public aims to become healthier, reduce weight, and promote muscle growth, businesses have seen an increase in protein consumption. This has created a rise in the consumption of added value Food To Go products and alternate protein sources, such as beans, grains, pulses or fortified products like tofu. This trend was a key element in the development of the company’s Food To Go product line throughout 2023. Fiona notes that in recent years, the sector has also witnessed a stronger emphasis placed on finding value for money and an increase in the popularity of the plant-based market. Many members of the public now identify as ‘flexitarian’ and practice ‘reducetarianism’, which is a conscious effort to reduce their intake of animal-based foods and products without adhering to a vegan or vegetarian diet. “As more plant-based ingredients are not used widely within the industry, there has been more pressure on new suppliers and with the current cost of living crisis, people are more conscious of their spending and seek out value more than ever,” says Fiona. “Making new products cost-effective through reducing overall pack weight, as well as engineering high value items to more economical sources, has been key for our business.” To meet these changes across the industry, Willowbrook Foods must remain flexible and willing to alter its approach and make investments where necessary. Since 2022, the company has placed significant investments into its three factories, including £1.4 million in two state-of-the-art Italian lettuce wash lines, £1 million in a bespoke dissolved air flotation plant, and £300k in a plant-based factory. Moving forward, Willowbrook Foods plans to focus on completing sustainability projects, promoting healthy eating initiatives, and increasing automation across its factories. These endeavours will allow the company to increase its efficiency, reduce wastage, and lessen its environmental impact. This commitment to delivering excellent quality products paired with a desire to improve the world around us reinforces Willowbrook Foods as the Best Food Production Company 2024 – Northern Ireland. Contact: Fiona McMullan, Commercial Director Company: Willowbrook Foods Web Address: https://willowbrookfoods.co.uk/
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