60 Jobs Cut At Co Down Food Firm

60 jobs are to be lost at a County Down food supplier.

Crossgar Foodservice has said it is consolidating aspects of its business with that of its parent, Pallas Foods.

The firm will now trade as Crossgar Pallas.

"Crossgar Poultry will be separated from Crossgar Foodservice operations and will transfer under a business sale agreement to Lissara Farm Ltd., which is owned and managed by Paul Bell, a member of the Bell family, the former owners of Crossgar Foodservice," the statement said.

All 46 employees at Crossgar Poultry are to be transferred to Lissara Farm Ltd., where a new deal will allow Crossgar Foodservice to continue to supply the Crossgar Poultry brand to its customers.

"It is envisaged that Crossgar Foodservice's meat production facility will close in Downpatrick and as a result may put at risk of compulsory redundancy 19 positions," the statement said.

"The decision to consider closing the meat production facility is based on the scale of the operation. To meet customer needs, Crossgar Foodserivce will continue to supply meat products in Northern Ireland through strategic agreements with local suppliers."

A spokesperson for the firm said: "While some redundancies are regrettably unavoidable, measures announced align the Northern Ireland business of Crossgar Foodservice with its parent company's core area of expertise, foodservice distribution.

"The development enhances distribution and product choice and provides improved value and a stronger, more compelling offering to customers. The business's commitment to Northern Ireland continues to be strong with a guarantee to continue to source local products."

(IT/MH)