Local producers amongst top export firms

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has listed Foyle Foods as the 18th biggest exporter in Northern Ireland, with annual exports of £180,000,000.

The meat processor has a number of operations in Northern Ireland but its main headquarters is at Lisahally. Just across the border the Foyle Food Group also controls, Donegal Meat Processors at Carrigans.

It’s listed as the 164th biggest exporter in the Republic, with 99million euros worth of exports and a staff complement of 214. The list of top performing exporters both north and south has been newly published by the IEA.

Another Donegal company is also listed as the eighth biggest food company in the Republic. Donegal Creameries, which earlier this month changed its name to the Donegal Investment Group, was one of the star performers in what was described as a lead sector on the Irish stock exchange.

Its market capitalisation was 47million euros and it had sales of 81million euros.

The company, which owns the huge Grianan Estate in Burt - the largest farm on the island - and makes its millions supplying seed potatoes throughout the country in addition to dairy produce - grew its share price more than any other food company in the year to date.

The firm’s share price leapt by 42 per cent. Over a year it grew by 49 per cent.

Two other local companies were also listed by the IEA. These were Seagate Technology and Perfecseal.

The computer hardware manufacturer exported £150,000,000 and was ranked 22nd in Northern Ireland.

Perfecseal Ltd. - also based in Londonderry - exports £35,904,000 worth of sterlie barrier systems for medical use. It was ranked 49th in Northern Ireland.