The awards, organised by Meat Trades Journal, are aimed at recognising and rewarding the best companies and people across the meat and poultry processing sector.

Moy Park chief executive Nigel Dunlop said: "We are delighted to have won the top award of Processing Business of the Year.

"This success belongs to everyone in Moy Park and was achieved through hard work to deliver a continuous and sustainable improvement across a balanced business.

"The judges based their decision on several factors including, the growth and development of the business, our continued investment in factories and farms, a responsible approach to environmental responsibility, how we support our community through charity and educational initiatives and finally our investment in employee health and wellbeing.

"I would like to congratulate everyone in Moy Park for continuously maintaining such high standards and ensuring we come out on top when measured against the best in the industry."

As well as being declared the UK's leading processor, Moy Park's Aaron Whiteman, Production Manager at Moy Park's Craigavon site in Northern Ireland, took the title of 'Young Processor of the Year'.

Mr Dunlop added, "Aaron has proven his strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills coupled with the right calibre of technical capabilities to thrive in a challenging production environment.

"We actively promote employees' career development and Aaron is an example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and continued support."