The Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies list is compiled based on employee numbers and turnover, demonstrating overall contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy.

Moy Park, owned by Brazilian meat company Marfrig, employs 10,500 people across its 12 sites and is one of Europe’s leading poultry companies.

Nigel Dunlop, Moy Park Managing Director said: “To be named as Northern Ireland’s top business is a great accolade. Moy Park has a long history in Northern Ireland, with the company being established here in 1943. We’ve grown a lot since then and are now one of the largest poultry producers in the UK, supplying major retailers and foodservice companies throughout the UK and Ireland.”

“Marfrig bought the Moy Park Business in 2008 and as our parent company they have given us a global perspective. Marfrig published extremely positive year end results in March showing consolidated gross revenues up by 14.2 per cent and consolidated net revenues increasing by 65 per cent. We are delighted to be part of one of the largest and most diversified food companies in the world.”

He continued, “It is great to see agri-food businesses listed in the top companies in Northern Ireland. The economic climate may be tough, but at Moy Park we are very focused on growth. We are committed to developing our production facilities and our farming base further throughout the UK and we continue to invest in the company through expansion and acquisition.”

Moy Park is the leading provider of fresh, locally farmed and locally produced chicken in the UK and is recognised as one of the largest producers of organic, free range and corn fed poultry in Europe. The company supplies leading retailers and foodservice providers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe with a range of fresh, breaded and added value products.