McDonald’s UK and Ireland has reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to its suppliers.

At a breakfast with leaders from across Northern Ireland’s agri-food, business and community sectors in Craigavon, hosted by McDonald’s UK and Ireland at its Rushmere restaurant, on Thursday (November 24) vice-president of supply chain and brand trust for McDonald’s UK and Ireland said:

“As a business, we are passionate about where our food comes from and we celebrate our commitment to our Northern Ireland suppliers, who play a key role in producing some of our most iconic menu items and building trust in the quality and provenance of McDonald’s food.

“Northern Ireland punches well above its weight within the McDonald’s supply chain and our local suppliers set a very high benchmark in terms of the exceptional quality of their produce and their consistently excellent service.

Northern Ireland based companies like Moy Park, Dawn Meats, Kerry Group and Huhtamaki are central to our UK and Ireland business, and we are proud to showcase them internationally within our system,” he said.

“This is real food, from local farmers and producers, produced to an exceptionally high standard just around the corner.”

McDonald’s UK and Ireland

McDonald’s UK and Ireland operates 34 restaurants across Northern Ireland – all run by seven local franchisees which, collectively, employs over 3,500 crew members directly.

Of the £100 million McDonald’s contributes to the Northern Ireland economy every year, over £26 million is spent directly with Northern Ireland farmers for produce such as beef and milk as well as sourcing from local suppliers, the brand said.

Owned and operated by McDonald’s franchisee, John McCollum, the Craigavon restaurant is one of four in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough which collectively employ over 500 people.

McCollum told guests that he had been “honoured” to have done business in the Borough over the past 25 years.

He said: “From the local ingredients we serve from local producers to the local people working in our restaurants here, and our long-standing partnerships with local football clubs like Annagh United, Banbridge Town, Lurgan Town and Oxford Sunnyside: This is a business that is very proud to be right at the heart of the local community.”