Exploring Innovation: Wild Fork Visits Pilgrim’s Food Masters in Ireland
Members of our Product Development team recently had the opportunity to visit Pilgrim’s Food Masters’ frozen ready meals plant in Carrickmacross, a picturesque town nestled in Ireland’s agricultural heartland.
Pilgrim’s Food Masters, one of three divisions under Pilgrim’s Europe, is a leading provider of chilled and frozen ready meals, partnering with major retailers across the globe. The visit was part of our ongoing efforts to explore new opportunities and elevate our Ready Meals category at Wild Fork.
The team, which included Daniel Henderson, Head of Product Development – Value Added, and Jorge Alfaro, Category Manager, toured the facility to gain insights into Pilgrim’s product range, manufacturing processes, and recent innovations. The goal: to identify synergies that could help us deliver even more value and variety to our customers in the U.S. and Canada.
Carrickmacross and its surrounding region are known for their rich agricultural heritage, with local cuisine showcasing fresh dairy, meats, and vegetables. This commitment to quality and flavor aligns closely with Wild Fork’s mission of Nourishing Better Lives.
Reflecting on the experience, Jorge Alfaro shared:
“I wanted to take a moment to express my genuine gratitude for the incredible visit. It was truly inspiring to witness the talent, innovation, and dedication within the team in Ireland. The energy, creativity, and expertise they bring to the table left a lasting impression on both me and Daniel.”
During the visit, our team sampled a variety of convenient, ready-to-heat meals—including Indian and Italian dishes—that could seamlessly integrate into our North American offerings. The potential for collaboration is exciting, with endless possibilities to co-create exceptional products for our customers.
At Wild Fork, we’re passionate about sourcing only the best. Every product we offer is hand-selected and taste-tested by our expert team of butchers, product developers, and in-house chefs. We’re committed to ensuring that what ends up on our customers’ plates meets the highest standards of quality and flavor.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Pilgrim’s Europe team for their warm hospitality and for sharing their expertise and passion with us. Special thanks to Rapheal Lomonoco, Jose Viela, Huong Pham, Derek Argue, Declan Farelly, and Amy McShane for making this visit both insightful and inspiring.