THE head of Invest NI’s food division has said a South African manufacturer, which has set up in Co Down, is now well placed to take advantage of the north’s dual market access.
Moorcroft Foods has received around £100,000 from the economic development agency as part of the move, which will create 11 new jobs.
The company, started by South African businessman, Gavin Moorcroft, will manufacture and sell Biltong and Droewors dried meats from its new premises in Quarry Heights Industrial Park, Newtownards.
While former Invest NI boss Kevin Holland had previously played down the importance of the Northern Ireland Protocol and dual market access in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), a senior director at Invest NI said yesterday the agency’s backing would help Moorcroft to maximize its ability to benefit from selling to both markets.
“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,” said Invest NI’s food and drink director Kevin Hood.
“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.”
Founder Gavin Moorcroft, who has relocated to Northern Ireland with his family, 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.
“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.”
