County Down based food producer, Finnebrogue Artisan, has revealed plans to build a new factory which will create more than 300 jobs, as part of a £25 million investment.

The investment, which will include the development of Finnebrogue’s fourth new factory in five years, comes as the company aims to enter the plant-based food market.

The new factory will create over 300 jobs, taking the company’s head count to 1,200 by the end of 2021.

Managing director, Andrew Nethercott, told the BBC: “Plant-based food does not have to be nutritionally barren or extortionately expensive. There is surging demand from an educated and discerning consumer base for more delicious, nutritious, sustainable and affordable food and particularly plant-based food.

“These flexitarians or meat reducers are our market.The people who buy our bacon without nitrites and our preservative-free sausages are the same people who are increasingly seeking one or two days off meat a week.

“This new facility will enable us to provide our consumers with the more nutritious and sustainable food they are demanding.”

UK environment secretary, George Eustice, added: “I am very pleased that Finnebrogue’s brand new investment will provide a valuable boost to local employment opportunities in Northern Ireland, advancing the company’s ambition to create and promote fantastic and affordable UK food.”