Total remuneration paid to the four executive directors of James Crean fell by just over 10 per cent to £948,000, an average of £237,000 each.

The four executives are: chairman and chief executive, Mr Ray McLoughlin; chief operating officer, Mr Martin Delaney; finance director, Mr Larry Westman; and the president of the food division in the US, Mr Matt Kwasek.

Basic salaries paid to the four executives rose from £632,000 to £684,000 although annual bonus payments fell from £193,000 to £70,000 while pension contributions fell from £155,000 to £98,000. Other benefits rose from £76,000 to £96,000.