McCollum said that remaining part of the EU gave more certainty, in particular with regard to market access to Europe.

“We are a European business and Europe is our market – and we are strongly in favour of the UK remaining within the EU,” she said.

Moy Park is the largest private sector employer in NI. The company has a turnover of £1.4bn and overall employs 12,000 people in NI, England, France, Holland and the Republic of Ireland.

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In June last year, Brazilian food company JBS acquired Moy Park from Marfrig Global Foods for £945m.

McCollum said that there has been no guarantees of continued access to EU markets in the event of a Brexit.

“Any move away from the free market in which we currently operate could increase tariffs, add administrative burdens and limit export opportunities,” she said.

Other uncertainties surrounding access to labour, cross-border trade and the potential impact on the farming community are described as “compelling reasons” for the UK to remain in the EU by Moy Park.

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