A South African food business is creating 11 new jobs at a new manufacturing plant in County Down.
Moorcroft Foods was founded by South African business man Gavin Moorcroft and will manufacture and sell Biltong and Droewors – both South African-style dried meat products - from its premises in Newtownards.
It is planning to export into the food-on-the-go market in Great Britain, the Republic and Europe and has been offered £99,931 of assistance by Invest Northern Ireland for investment in new equipment.
The Moorcroft family is an established meat business in South Africa, spanning five generations.
Gavin Moorcroft said he has moved with his own family to Northern Ireland to establish and grow Moorcroft Foods.
“Our products will be made using traditional South African recipes and through research we have identified real growth opportunities for our products across the UK, Republic of Ireland and further afield,” he said. “With Invest NI’s support and ongoing advice, we have invested in a range of equipment, which will help us to manufacture our quality product in Northern Ireland and share our world-class South African meat heritage throughout this part of the world.
“I love Northern Ireland and its friendly people, so much so that I have decided to relocate my family here and really commit to growing the business. We look forward to investing further in Northern Ireland and growing in the Ards & North Down Borough Council area.”
John Hood, Invest NI’s Director of Food and Drink, welcomed the investment.
“Northern Ireland has a renowned agri-food heritage and I am pleased that Moorcroft Foods has made the decision to establish its first manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland, secured with our support,” he said. “This investment will create 11 jobs and will ensure the South African company is well placed to take advantage of opportunities in the ‘food to go and snacking’ markets in Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and Europe.
“It also aligns with our strategy of increasing FDI investment across Northern Ireland and is a great example for other companies looking to set up here. I look forward to seeing Moorcroft Foods grow and embedding itself into the County Down business community.”
