Belfast to host Gastronomy Summit 2022
How can food, drink and hospitality benefit local communities?
As Northern Ireland’s reputation as a leading food and drink destination continues to grow, Belfast is set to host a prestigious gathering of culinary professionals from around the world. At Gastronomy Summit 2022, to be staged at Ulster University from 11th to 13th April 2022, delegates will explore and celebrate the power of food and drink to stimulate significant economic growth, help local communities flourish and promote ethical tourism.
Reflecting the importance of food, drink and hospitality to the economy and culture of Northern Ireland, the event will be co-hosted by multiple organisations: Ulster University, Tourism NI, Food NI and the Oxford Cultural Collective.
Professor Una McMahon Beattie of Ulster University commented: “Those working in food, drink and hospitality have played a significant role in the transition of Northern Irish society over the last twenty years. The have built thriving businesses, fuelled civic pride and welcomed international visitors. Gastronomy Summit 2022 will give us the opportunity to learn from others who represent many destinations worldwide which have been through comparable periods of change.”
Included in a stellar line-up of keynote speakers are Gaston Acurio, one of the world’s most admired chefs, who has led the transformation of Peru’s international reputation, on the basis of its distinctive culinary heritage; Dr Jessica B. Harris, the New York-based academic and broadcaster, whose recent hit Netflix series, High on the Hog, focused on reclaiming black food history; and Chef Michael Caines MBE, a champion of the gastronomic culture of Devon in the South West of England, where food producers and hospitality professionals are helping regenerate rural communities.
For David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI, the Summit provides a means of celebrating the central role that food and drink now play in attracting visitors to Northern Ireland and in shaping their experiences. It is also a platform for building new and long-lasting partnerships: “Delegates from across the world will have the opportunity to Embrace the Giant Spirit of Northern Ireland during the three day programme. Hosting the summit raises Northern Ireland’s reputation as a leading food and drink destination and strengthens opportunities for cultural exchange between international leaders and our own home-grown hospitality industry. Tourism NI will use Gastronomy Summit 2022 to share Northern Ireland’s remarkable food and drink story, to learn from our international community of delegates and keynotes and to initiate collaboration with those who have shared interests. We wish our partners and delegates an enjoyable and memorable summit.”
A gala dinner in Belfast City Hall will showcase the very best local produce, with dishes prepared by four of Northern Ireland’s most talented chefs: Alex Greene, Gemma Austin, Noel McMeel and Brian McCann. As noted by Michele Shirlow, CEO of Food NI: “Our reputation for great food and drink is built on the efforts of those who produce it, and those who prepare and serve it in our restaurants and bars. We will use the international platform of Gastronomy Summit 202 to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to the positive image of Northern Ireland, and to achieving numerous accolades, including being named World’s Best Food Destination 2018, at the International Travel and Tourism Award.”
Dinner on 12th April in Ulster University’s new Academy restaurant will be prepared by rising star Ghanaian chef Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, whose first restaurant, Tatale, will open in London’s Africa Centre in June 2022. Reflecting the inclusive theme of Gastronomy Summit 2022, Akwasi is known for looking beyond borders, producing spectacular pan-African dishes which stimulate conversation and fuel cross-cultural exchange.
The hosts are keen to welcome delegates representing the widest possible range of professions, including chefs, academics, food and drink producers, tourism managers, writers, journalists and campaigners, from many different countries worldwide.
Booking is available by following this link – Gastronomy Summit 2022 (ulster.ac.uk)
Photo: Gastronomy Summit hosts – Professor Una McMahon-Beattie, Ulster University; Donald Sloan, Chair, Oxford Cultural Collective; Michele Shirlow MBE, Fonder and Chief Executive, FoodNI; and David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development, Tourism NI
