Finnebrogue was awarded the coveted title of “Outstanding Community Engagement” at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards in London (February 2026), following a rigorous two-stage judging process.
The judges recognised Finnebrogue’s long-standing commitment to ‘giving back’ to its local community through a wide-ranging strategy focused on wellbeing, youth development, education and sustainability.
Central to this is Finnebrogue’s Feed Your Future schools programme, which connects education with real-world food industry experience through interactive workshops, site visits and paid student placements. In 2024/25 alone, more than 1,000 pupils engaged with the programme, gaining insights into the many career pathways in food manufacturing.
Judges were also impressed by Finnebrogue’s deep partnerships with local community groups and schools. These include collaborating with Lecale Trinity Grammar School on its Campus Connect Programme, delivering a 10-day Dragon’s Den-style initiative for Year 9 pupils; launching the school’s STARS recognition programme; and supporting Knockevin Special School’s ‘What a Hoot Café’, and the Patrician Youth Centre’s Holiday Hunger Programme.
Commenting on the win, Anthea McAuley, Finnebrogue’s Communication Manager said:
“As the largest private employer in the local area, Finnebrogue is committed to building skills, confidence and future employment pathways for the next generation, while involving managers across our business. They help develop programme material, share their career journeys and provide mentoring activities.
“Finnebrogue also works closely with teachers and community leads to align activities with the curriculum and for different ability groups.
“‘Giving back’ is a core part of who we are as a business. We are incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our local community and schools, and this award recognises the passion and commitment of our people who help make these programmes possible.”
