'We’re incredibly proud': Tyrone burger named Britain’s best at major meat industry awards
Dungannon-headquartered meat business takes Best Burger title for its Cherrywood Smoked Beef Aberdeen Angus burgers for Tesco Finest
Britain’s tastiest burger is produced by Dunbia, the Dungannon-headquartered meat business, and one of Northern Ireland’s biggest.
Dunbia, now owned by Ireland’s Dawn Meats and with processing operations across the UK and Ireland, won the recognition at the highly influential 2026 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards in Birmingham last week.
The company won the Best Burger Award 2026 for its Cherrywood Smoked Beef Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers, produced for the premium Tesco Finest brand.
The Best Beef Product and Best Red Meat titles were awarded to ABP, which also has a major processing operation in Dungannon. It won both awards for its M&S Collection British Wagyu Gold Ribeye Steak.
The two producers were also highly commended in other categories, while Finnebrogue of Downpatrick was highly commended for its four Buffalo Chicken Smash Burgers for Asda’s Summer Grill.
The awards ceremony highlighted the creativity, innovation and excellence of the UK’s meat industry.
Meanwhile the coveted Excellence Award went to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the British and Irish meat industry. This year, the award went to Niall Browne, chief executive of Waterford-based Dawn Meats, which acquired Dunbia from the Dobson family in 2020.
The firm said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Niall Browne recognised with the Meat Management Excellence Award!
“Starting his journey through the graduate programme and progressing to lead the business, Niall’s commitment to people, customers, farmers and long-term sustainable growth has helped shape the success of both Dawn Meats and Dunbia.
“This award is a fitting recognition of his leadership, values and dedication to developing the next generation of talent across our industry. As a business, we couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Niall!
“We look forward to seeing your leadership continue to inspire our teams and drive the future success of the Group for many years to come.”
Dunbia, which is headquartered in Dungannon, produces a range of premium beef products, including its award-winning Cherrywood Smoked Beef Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers.
The company sources premium beef from grass-fed cattle as part of its focus on quality meat production across the UK and Ireland.