Moorcroft Foods to set up Northern Ireland factory

07-Feb-2022 - Last updated on 07-Feb-2022 at 16:48 GMT

L-R: Hood; Bleakney and Moorcroft

South African food company Moorcroft Foods, which makes dried meat snacks Biltong and Droewors has announced it is establishing a manufacturing facility in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, creating 11 jobs.

The business was started by South African businessman Gavin Moorcroft and will operate from the Quarry Heights Industrial Park, Newtownards. The move was financed by £100,000 worth of funding from Invest NI.

“We are excited to announce the opening of our new manufacturing facility in Newtownards," Gavin Moorcroft, owner and managing director of Moorcroft Foods said. “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.

'Invested in a range of equipment'

"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.

"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, said: “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."

Food-to-go and snacking

“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.”

The Moorcroft family is well-known in South Africa, spanning five generations of South African meat farmers. Invest NI has provided the company with guidance on setting up in Northern Ireland, and has offered £99,931 towards new equipment for its facility.

Mark Bleakney, Invest NI’s southern regional manager said: “The 11 strong team will play a key role in Moorcroft Foods’ growth both here and internationally and support it to meet the growing consumer demand for South African produce.”