About Us

Food NI provides a single promotional voice for Northern Ireland’s food and drink. We work to enhance the reputation of Northern Ireland’s food and drink through the Taste of Ulster and Our Food So Good messages. We are  a company limited by guarantee, formed voluntarily by a consortium of food sector representatives, to develop a positive identity for high quality food from Northern Ireland.  Our Board consists of representatives from across the entire supply chain.  Our aims are:

  • To enhance the reputation of food and drink from Northern Ireland
  • To deliver a positive message to support the industry
  • To link all elements of the food supply chain

Our Taste of Ulster members showcase the finest food and drink from Northern Ireland. We promote the people who produce it and those who serve it in our cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels.  We know we have world-class ingredients and chefs. We secured Best Food Destination at the International Travel and Tourism Awards at World Travel Market.

Marketing Activity

Food NI brings the food to the people at events such as Farmhouse Breakfast Week and Balmoral Show NI Food Pavilion, Flavours of the Foyle and LegenDerry Food Festival. We also make it easy for you to find local produce in restaurants through our Taste of Ulster Guide.

We have a constant stream of news about new products being launched, food events and awards, all featured on the web-site.

If you want to find out more about the people, places and personalities behind your food, or just to enjoy the recipes, follow us on Facebook or Twitter or get the latest NI food news via our Newsletter – simply sign up on the Homepage.

Funding

Food NI is funded by contributions from members.  All of our funding is focused on supporting the food and drink industry to connect with consumers in local markets.  We work closely with the public sector to enhance the reputation of Northern Ireland’s food and drink in international and tourism markets.

Management Team

Michele Shirlow

Chief Executive Officer

Lindsay Curran

Operations Manager

Maria Cleland

Chartered Accountant

Sam Butler

Communications Manager

Barbara Collins

Food Writer & YouTube Channel Editor

Alana Cassidy

Taste of Ulster Coordinator / Social Media

Oonagh McKeown

Producer, Events and Initiatives Coordinator

Christine Irwin

Taste of Ulster

Board Members

Andrew Nethercott

Finnebrogue Artisan

John Best

Acton House Farm

Howard Hastings

Hastings Hotels

Joanne McKenna

James Street South

Peter Hannan

Hannan Meats

Wesley Aston

Ulster Farmers' Union

Nigel Scollan

Queens University Belfast

Angus Wilson

Wilson's Country

Neal Kelly – Chairman

Henderson Group

Nigel Walsh

Ulster Bank

Jenni Gowdy

Moy Park

Adrian McGowan

Millview Farm

Operating Group