Co Down businessman Denis Lynn has tragically died in a quad bike accident.
The Finnebrogue founder, who started out selling pizzas and pies out of a little white van and farming before moving onto chips, went on to become one of Northern Ireland's leading food producers and a major supermarket supplier.
It is understood Denis tragically passed away following the accident at his home on the Finnebrogue estate on Sunday evening. He was just 63.
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In 2018, he was named the 海角视频's most innovative director of the year by the Institute of Directors. The once meat-led producer launched the largest plant-based food factory in Europe in 2020 to make 15 products for its meat-free Naked range.
His company released a statement following his passing.
It read: "Our thoughts are with Denis’s wife Christine, his children Kerry, Clare, Tara and Ciara and the entire family at this incredibly difficult time.
"Denis was an innovator and a visionary with an infectious passion for delivering positive change for the planet and its people. He leaves behind an extraordinary list of achievements.
"Denis also leaves behind Finnebrogue and a vision for its future. Finnebrogue was his creation. It now falls on all of us – the Finnebrogue family – to continue his outstanding work.
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"The board of directors has met today. Non-executive director David Manning has been appointed interim-Chairman with immediate effect. Non-executive director Colin Walsh has been appointed interim deputy-chairman.
"The senior management team will lead the business on a day-to-day basis.
"We have set up an email account, RememberingDenis@finnebrogue.com, for you to send your memories and condolences, which we will compile and publish in due course.
"Denis was our founder, leader and inspiration. We will best honour his memory by invoking his passion for making food the best it can possibly be, without being bound by the way it’s always been done – and by trying every day to make the world a better place."
Others have taken to social media to pay their respects to the once farmer, who evolved his business to include meat alternatives.
Food Journalist and MBE, Sam Butler, said: "Awful tragedy. Denis was a great innovator especially in plant based foods. Sincere regrets to family circle and team at Finnebrogue."
Another shared their "sincerest condolences to Denis' family & colleagues at Finnebrogue Artisan... an incredible loss to the #NorthernIreland food industry... such an innovator".
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"Sorry to hear the sudden passing of Denis," added an old friend.
"I met Denis in '87/88 when he came to me to finance his first truck for Lynn's C. Foods from there he went from strength to strength building his empire. Condolences to Christine his girls and family circle."