Fabulous local food and drink lifted to higher level at airport
Just about the biggest and best-ever presentation of Northern Ireland’s fabulous food
and drink has been developed at the Aelia Duty-Free by Lagardère Travel Retail at
Belfast International Airport.
Travellers over the Easter break were among the first to experience the unique
shopping zone that has already won acclaim from local companies and bodies such
as Food NI, Northern Ireland’s dynamic food promotion agency.
Food NI’s Michele Shirlow says: “The new duty-free really is a spectacular
demonstration of the variety, quality and innovation of our exceptional local food and
drink, covering hundreds of international award-winning products currently being
produced here by quality and taste conscious companies.
“The Aelia team at Belfast International deserves the upmost praise for their
determination to create such an impressive facility showcasing the very best of food
and drink from across Northern Ireland. Not only have they taken local food and
drink into retail but it is also more prominent in the café.
“I am sure our companies will prosper from such impressive and creative support.
Companies which have had the opportunity to experience the showcase have been
inspired by what they have seen at the airport. It’s a tremendous morale boost for
our dynamic industry that touches every part of Northern Ireland.
“Food NI was delighted to be invited by the team to work on the huge refurbishment
project at the duty-free especially in terms of identifying and sourcing companies to
supply the zone that upwards of six million passengers, including thousands of
visitors to Northern Ireland, pass through every year to global destinations,” adds
Michele.
The superb shopping complex also celebrates Northern Ireland’s local heritage with
the introduction of a Whiskey Apothecary concept, featuring local brands such as
McConnell’s; Bushmills; Echlinville; and Boatyard Distillery.
The complex, in fact, features a comprehensive shop for Irish whiskey, gin, rum and
other spirits being distilled here. Brands featured include multi-award winners
Dunville’s; Old Comber; Shortcross; Hinch; Two Stacks, Titanic and Killowen.
The presentation has also been influenced through a partnership with Tourism
Northern Ireland initiatives like the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, highlighting our rich
distilling heritage.
