Ross Reed OBE: A lifetime shaping Northern Ireland’s Food and Drink Industry
Ross Reed OBE has been recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Northern Ireland Food and Drink, celebrating more than five decades of leadership, investment and influence across the sector.
Presented at the NI Food and Drink Awards 2026, the accolade acknowledges Mr Reed’s far-reaching impact on the industry, from building nationally significant infrastructure, to helping steer the sector through some of its most challenging periods.
In presenting the award, NI Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) Chair Ursula Lavery MBE said: “Ross is a leader whose contribution is far reaching – not just Northern Ireland food and drink, but Northern Ireland PLC. He is widely recognised for his collaborative approach and ability to focus on practical outcomes. His influence has been critical at moments of crisis, such as ensuring the smooth supply chain movement during Covid and getting the Windsor Framework over the line.”
Ross’s career began in the Republic of Ireland before he moved to Northern Ireland in 1964. Over the following decades, he built experience across accountancy, transport and food processing, including serving as Managing Director of Abbey Meat Packers, supplying markets across Europe, the Middle East and the UK, and putting Northern Ireland on the map.
In 1973, he founded Interfrigo, a business that has grown into a nationally significant operation at the heart of Northern Ireland’s food distribution network. Under his leadership, Interfrigo operates one of the most modern and energy-efficient cold storage facilities in the UK, supporting manufacturers, processors and retailers across the sector.
In recent years, Ross has been widely recognised for his role in navigating disruption, including addressing supply chain challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, resolving Irish Sea transport issues in 2022 and supporting progress on the Windsor Framework. His collaborative approach has helped bring industry and policymakers together at pivotal moments.
Despite reflecting on a career spanning more than half a century, Ross’s focus remains firmly on the future, and he urged politicians in the room to champion the industry; “I am deeply honoured to win this award. The industry is built on its people and every action that I have ever taken has been in their long-term interests.
“Food and drink is a strategic sector in Northern Ireland and plays a key role in national food security. I urge all our leaders locally to focus on actions that allow this industry, and the 113,000 jobs we support across the supply chain, to grow sustainably.”
As the food and drink sector continues to navigate a complex operating environment, Ross Reed OBE’s career is testament to the impact of long-term leadership grounded in collaboration, resilience and practical action.