ABP Food Group

Congratulations and well done to the 21 graduates from Cohort 3 of the ABP/Irish Management Institute (IMI) Leadership Development Programme who graduated last week. The year-long leadership programme helps executives across ABP to develop their leadership and strategic capabilities. It is a bespoke programme run in association with the IMI and is one of many exciting development programmes available to our colleagues across the group, including ABP Group, ABP Ireland & Poland , ABP UK, C&D Foods (ABP Group), and Olleco. #TeamABP #OurPeople #LeadershipDevelopment

Finalists in this year’s ABP Angus Youth Challenge recently participated in a full-day training session at CAFRE - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise to help them prepare for interviews. The workshop, provided by ABP and Certified Irish Angus in partnership with Business in the Community Northern Ireland, covered topics such as interview skills, the STAR model, body language, and more. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge inspires secondary-level students with a passion for the agri-food industry, offering them practical experience and knowledge. This exciting competition attracts a diverse range of entrants from both rural and urban backgrounds, whether from farming or non-farming communities. The 2024 winners of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 25th October at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park. Good luck to all our finalist teams from Aughnocloy College, Dromore High School, St Colmille's High School Crossgar and the Royal School of Armagh. Best wishes to the new entrants hoping to win Angus calves and a place on our 2024-2025 skills development programme! #ABPAngusYouth #TeamABP

This morning our Agri Sustainability Manager, Stephen Connolly joined a panel discussion, hosted by Meat Industry Ireland (MII), to launch the Charter for Sustainable Irish Beef🐄 The discussion focused on the beef sector's commitment to accelerating sustainability initiatives and highlighted the progress ABP has already made toward achieving our goals by 2030. #TeamABP #Sustainability #MII

ABP and its PRISM suppliers in Northern Ireland are delighted to be shortlisted for the Sustainable Initiative Award at tonight’s Farming Life Awards 2024 . PRISM 2030 is our collaboration between ABP and its farmer suppliers to deliver a continuous improvement in the environmental performance of UK red meat by 2030. For more information on ABP PRISM 2030 go to 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebpuEqt9 Best wishes to all the finalists! #TeamABP #Sustainability #Finalists

This week, we caught up with Jonathon Mullen, Primary Operations Manager at ABP Shrewsbury What was your dream job when you were young? I always wanted to be a pilot or professional footballer. Tell us about your route to your current role I graduated with a degree in Criminology but, while waiting for a position to open up in the Met Police, I decided to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and learn a trade in butchery. I started working at a local butcher’s shop and soon realised I had a passion for the meat industry. After an apprenticeship in meat and poultry processing, I went to work at a local abattoir to get exposure to that side of the industry. That led to me joining the ABP Operations Graduate scheme in 2010 and I’ve never looked back. After the graduate scheme, my first role was in Birmingham in group planning support. When a role opened up, I returned to Shrewsbury as Primary Planning and Sales Manager, which has developed into my current role. What’s the highlight of your career so far? Being selected for the ABP General Manager Development Programme is top of my list. It’s what I have been working towards since I joined ABP as a graduate. I have also taken great pride in developing a team around me who all support, encourage and work hard for each other. Would you recommend the agri-food industry to someone starting their career? Yes, for sure. If you enjoy a challenging, fast-paced environment that is continuously evolving, there’s no better sector. It can be tough at times but it’s also rewarding. I’m a strong believer in always striving to challenge yourself and the food industry certainly caters well for that! Who do you look up to in life? In terms of individuals, it would have to be Tiger Woods in his prime. He almost single-handedly changed the landscape of golf and was instrumental in getting me into the sport. Obviously, he is not the same role model after some of his behaviour. I would say that I look up to people’s characteristics rather than specific individuals – the things I value most are respect, honesty, work ethic and manners. What’s your ideal weekend? A round of golf, some nice weather and a BBQ. Any interesting hobbies? Have I mentioned golf?! I’m a big sports fan in general and a lifelong Newcastle United fan. I also enjoy cooking and eating out, but probably the eating more than the cooking! Quick-fire questions Early bird or night owl? Early bird Beef or lamb? Beef Book or box set? Box set Sun holiday or ski trip? Sun holiday Rock music or rave? Rave #TeamABP #OurPeople #AskandAnswer

This week, we caught up with Lloyd Brakel, Boning Hall Operations Manager and Primary General Manager at ABP Ellesmere What was your dream job when you were young? Growing up, I always thought I’d be a marine biologist. Truthfully, however, I never really thought too far ahead – I wanted to see where life would take me. Tell us about your route to your current role I started as a graduate in ABP Lurgan, learning the kill side of the business, before moving around the UK. I had stints in Perth, Yetminster and Shrewsbury, followed by a Continuous Improvement role at ABP Langport. I then took over the Abattoir Operations Manager role at Langport, where we opened a new beef dripping plant and introduced hide salting, as well as growing our throughput steadily during my time in the role. I then moved into the Boning Hall Operations Manager role, where we integrated our third line and increased our capacity to 2,250 cattle a week. What’s the highlight of your career so far? Over the years, I have been very fortunate to work with highly skilled, dedicated and driven people who have taught me an immense amount about our business and leadership. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their input, guidance and insight. I would say the highlight of my career is getting to work with such talented individuals. Would you recommend the agri-food industry to someone starting their career? Yes, 100%. Our industry is challenging as well as being very rewarding. Every day is different and brings an opportunity to learn new knowledge and skill sets. Who do you look up to in life? Family means the world to me. I’m very fortunate to have a very tight family unit who are always there for each other in terms of guidance and support. Every day, I try to repay that in some shape or form. What’s your ideal weekend? I enjoy running and walking to clear my head and reflect after a tough week. However, for me, nothing beats visiting a National Trust site with my young family, followed by a picnic. Only recently, I was at Chirk Castle near Ellesmere, taking in the stunning grounds. Any interesting hobbies? I enjoy camping with my family and spending time on the beach when we can. Last summer, we went to Wales for a week. We are planning to go to Scotland this year and hopefully to Ireland next year. Quick-fire questions - Early bird or night owl? Early bird – but with a newborn at home, I’ll take what I can get! - Beef or lamb? Lamb - Book or box set? Box set - Sun holiday or ski trip? I would like to say ski trip but I feel I would be overruled! - Rock music or rave? Rock music, every day of the week! #TeamABP #OurPeole

Finalists in the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition gathered at this year’s National Ploughing Championship (NPC) to learn more about the wide variety of careers available to them within Ireland’s agricultural industry. Speaking at the event, @Amie Coonan, Farm Liaison Team Leader with ABP provided an overview of the varied and dynamic roles available to young people, and in particular women, looking to enter the industry. In a first for the annual competition, the number of female finalists (10) outnumbered the male finalists (6), and of the five teams through to the final stages, three are all female. Highlighting the agriculture industry as a career choice being equally considered by women and men. Check out ABP's careers page here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gt6E58H #TeamABP #PloughingChampionships2024 #CertifiedAngusYouthChallenge

Get ready to cheer! Four of our energetic colleagues at ABP Linden are lacing up their running shoes for the Belfast City Marathon on September 22nd. These dedicated runners are not just hitting the pavement for fun but also raising funds for a fantastic cause – the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. The Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is a lifesaver, providing critical medical services in emergencies. By supporting our marathon runners, you’re also supporting this vital service that makes a huge difference in our community. Go team ABP Linden! #TeamABP #BelfastMarathon

We are delighted to share that ABP Linden had an outstanding evening at the Meat Management Awards, winning the prestigious Meat Manufacturer of the Year Award. In addition to this overall award, ABP Linden won Best Lamb Product, which then went on to win the overall Best Red Meat Product award. These awards are a testament to the dedication of the entire Linden team and highlight the exceptional quality of our products. Additionally, ABP provided the beef fillet for the main course at the awards event. The ceremony took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Thursday, 19th September. Well done, ABP Linden! #TeamABP #MeatManufacturerOfTheYear #Proud #AwardWinning

Welcome to our 14 new graduates across ABP Ireland, ABP Poland, and Irish Country Meats! 🎉 Your induction week was packed with learning, fun, and activities. We’re excited to have you on #TeamABP! #Graduates2024