FoodNI backs unique Belfast Flavours
Belfast’s food and drink community will take centre stage this month for Belfast
Flavours Live, a flagship, industry-led event designed to spark ambition,
collaboration and fresh thinking across the city’s thriving culinary sector. FoodNI is
backing the important event.
Taking place on Monday 23rd February at ICC Belfast, Belfast Flavours Live will bring
together chefs, producers, hospitality leaders, tourism professionals and
policymakers from every corner of the city for a programme focused on leadership,
growth and what’s next for Belfast’s food and drink sector.
Delivered by Belfast Flavours as part of Belfast City Council’s annual Food Tourism
Development Programme, and supported by the Department of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Northern Ireland Regional Food
Programme, the event aligns with the ambitions of the Northern Ireland Food
Strategy Framework.
Hosted by renowned broadcaster Pamela Ballantine, the programme will feature
engaging panel discussions, one-to-one conversations with industry voices, and live
cookery demonstrations that celebrate the flavours, skill and local produce defining
Belfast’s culinary identity.
Attendees can also explore a range of support, funding and service organisations – a
chance to discover new opportunities, make connections, and be inspired by
Belfast’s boldest culinary talent.
Speakers and contributors include Jess Murphy (Kai, Galway), Gráinne Mullins (Grá
Chocolates), William Mayne (Bullhouse Brewing Company), Sam Shephard (The
Juice Jar), Oisín McEvoy (Neighbourhood Café), Ciarán Shannon (Boatyard
Distillery), Emily Doherty and Jack Weir (Liquid Minds) and Lucie and Carlos
Capparelli (Capparelli at the Mill).
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said: “Belfast Flavours Live
represents an important opportunity to bring together the people and businesses
who play such a vital role in the city’s economy and visitor experience. Belfast City
Council is proud to support Belfast Flavours through our Food Tourism Development
Programme, helping to create future-focused platforms that encourage collaboration,
innovation and long-term thinking across the sector.
“Our food and drink industry is central to Belfast’s identity as a welcoming, vibrant
city, and events like this help ensure it continues to grow in a way that is sustainable,
inclusive and ambitious.”
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “I welcome
Belfast Flavours Live and commend the event which aligns so closely with the
Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework. The Framework recognises the vital link
between food, health, the economy and the environment. Events such as Belfast
Flavours Live play a crucial role in supporting a sustainable, resilient agri-food
sector.
“By championing local produce, encouraging collaboration and supporting skills and
leadership across the food and drink industry, Belfast Flavours Live will deliver
lasting benefits not just for Belfast, but for the wider Northern Ireland food economy.”
As the flagship event of the food and drink collective, Belfast Flavours Live embodies
the collective spirit of Belfast Flavours, says Co-Chair Andrew Dougan: “Belfast
Flavours exists to bring the sector together – to foster collaboration, share ideas and
support growth across Belfast’s food and drink community. At its heart, the network
is about championing the people, talent and produce that make our city’s culinary
scene so distinctive.
“Belfast Flavours Live, as our flagship industry event, is an opportunity to bring that
ethos to life – providing a dedicated space for chefs, producers, hospitality leaders
and policymakers to connect, gain insight and explore what’s next for Belfast’s food
and drink sector.”
“We’re also grateful for the support of ICC Belfast and Food NI, whose partnership
is helping to create a platform that truly reflects the ambition, quality and
collaborative spirit of Belfast’s food and drink industry.”
Belfast Flavours Live is supported by Food NI, ICC Belfast and Pan and Pour
Belfast, reflecting a shared ambition to champion local food, farming, tourism and
sustainable growth.
Tickets cost £25 per person (inclusive of VAT) and include refreshments and lunch.
Places are limited and advance booking is required.
