'An incredible achievement': Top UK and European food company celebrates 100 years in Northern Ireland

Top UK and European food company Pilgrim's Europe is celebrating a remarkable 100 years of operations at its Randalstown Feed Mill in Northern Ireland. The Co Antrim manufacturing mill, which specialises in supplying feed to support the wider poultry and farming supply chain, dates back to 1926 and began as a supplier of groceries and agricultural goods to the local area before introducing its first pellet mill in the 1950s. In the post-war economy, the development of compound feed formulation and improved nutrition supported farm efficiency and growth, helping to expand the business and the services it provided. A new mill followed in the 1980s, increasing capacity and creating opportunities to grow its customer and supplier base. In 2010, the business was purchased by Moy Park, now part of Pilgrim's Europe, and moved to producing poultry feed. Continued investment has helped the site go from strength to strength, including the installation of a bio-secure feed production facility in 2016 to supply its Grandparent and Parent poultry division. Today, the site is one of the top mills in Europe and supports more than 80 jobs across its operations and continues to play a key role in Pilgrim's Europe agricultural and wider supply chain. To mark the milestone, Pilgrim's Europe hosted a centenary celebration at the mill, welcoming team members and partners for an afternoon of entertainment, food and celebration. The event paid tribute to the history and achievements of the site. Fábio Brancher, operations director Agriculture at Pilgrim's Europe, said: 'Reaching 100 years at the Randalstown Feed Mill is an incredible achievement and one that reflects the dedication of our people and the relationships they have built over generations. "We're proud of the role the site has played locally over the years and of the strong connections we've built within the wider community. 'The celebrations were a great opportunity to bring people together, say thank you to our colleagues and take the time to recognise everything that's been achieved here over the past 100 years while we also look to further growth.'