GetErBrewed wins 3 3-star awards!

There was the now-customary fine showing at the Great Taste Awards from Food NI
members- thus solidifying the region’s reputation as a serious food and drink destination.
Amongst the Food NI member winners were: three products from Our Brewery @
Geterbrewed including Barrel Aged Wild Ale VI, Barrel Aged Oud Bruin Brown Ale and
Razma – Barrel Aged Keptinis Beer.

Other Food NI member 3-star products included Cep Miso Butter from Abernethy Butter,
Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin, Blackberry and Thyme Infused Balsamic of Modena from Burren
Balsamics, Kettyle Salt-Moss Aged Rib Eye Steak, Rooney Fish Milbay Oysters and
Morelli’s Sicilian Pistachio Ice Cream.

2- star winners include Burren Balsamics’ Proper Digestives, Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin and
Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka; both from Basalt Distillery, Cavanagh Free Range 6 Large
Eggs, Clandeboye Estate Greek Style Yoghurt, Cookie Jar Wheaten Bread, Daisies Drinking
Chocolate 70 %, Golden Popcorn’s Gourmet Crunch Thai Sweet Chilli, Natural Umber’s
Umber Plus, Kestrel Foods (Forest Feast)’s Just Live a Little Cocoa and Toasted Hazelnut
Granola, Morelli’s Clotted Cream Ice Cream with Maple Variegato and Caramelised Pecans,
Morelli’s Cherry Frozen Yoghurt, Our Brewery (GetErBrewed)’s Séasúr Barrel-Aged Mixed
Ferm Saison; Prime Time of Your Life Belgian Triple, Light Up Gold West Coast IPA, Do You
Wanna Funk? NEIPA and Terra Nocturne Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. There were also 2
stars for Quails Fine Foods 21 Day Himalayan Salt Aged Leg of Lamb, Scotts Crispy Onions
in Gluten-Free Steak Flavour, Kettyle’s Salt Moss Aged Striploin Steak, Granny Shaw’s
Fudge Factory: Salted Caramel Sauce, Ispini Charcuterie: Sobrasada and Moorcroft Foods:
Fenner’s Original Air-Dried Steak Biltong

There were dozens of 1-star awards for Food NI members including Burren Balsamics. who
took 4 1 stars for Za’atar and Date Infused Balsamic Vinegar of Modena; Strawberry and Mint
White Wine Vinegar; Irish Heritage Apple Infused White Condiment and Citrus-Infused Pearl
Bursts while Cavanagh Free Range Eggs won a 1 star for 12 Mixed Weight Eggs.
Other 1-star winning products were Crawford’s Rock Seaweed Company’s Vegan Hot
Honey; Draynes Farm Double Cream; Whipping Cream; Whole Milk; Semi-Skimmed Milk;
Pure Bainne Dairy Ice Cream; Honeycrumb Crunch Dairy Ice Cream and Achill Island Sea
Salt Caramel Dairy Ice Cream. Dukes’ Ultra-Premium Ice Cream Sloe Gin flavour won a star.
Dundarave Estate won a star each for Bushmills Whiskey Vanilla Fudge, Original BBQ
Sauce and Rich Coffee Rub. Embark Protein Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar won 1 star
as did Indie Fude Dunville’s Fig Chutney made by En Place. Favourit Foods won a star each
with their “Perfect for Air Fryer” Fajita Seasoning, BBQ Seasoning and Cajun Seasoning.

French Village’s Potato Bread took a star as did Glens of Antrim Potatoes with their Lir Red
Crest Irish Whiskey. Golden Popcorn were successful again. They took 1 star each for their
Gourmet Crunch Irish Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar, and Gourmet Crunch. There was a 1-
star award for Irwin’s Bakery Wheaten Bread. Jackson Roze’s Vegan Ginger Wine and
Ginger and Turmeric Shot both won 1 star. Kestrel Foods (Forest Feast) won a star each for
Indie Bay Pretzel Thins and 60% Cocoa dark Chocolate Sour Cherries. Lecale Harvest’s
Confit Duck was awarded 1 star as was Maud’s Pistachio Ice Cream, Melting Pot’s Salted
Caramel Fudge and Moocha Kombucha’s Apple and Blackberry Organic Kombucha.
Morelli’s Ricotta and Caramelised Fig Ice Cream was also awarded 1 star.
There were yet more accolades for GetErBrewed with a star each for their Orderly Fashion
Rice Lager; The Crunch Brown Ale; Once in a Lifetime Oatmeal Stout and Frank and
Eileen’s Craft Gin.

Partie de Moi’s Omi and Pumpkin Spice Seasonings each won a star as did Paula
McIntyre’s Rum Christmas Pudding. Punjana Ltd’s (Thompson’s) Punjana won 1 star as did
their Signature tea. Rock A Doodle Do’s sauces scored four times with White Sesame and
Nori BBQ Sauce; Mango Habanero, Whiskey in the Bottle and Snow Patrol Signal Fire.
There were also 1 stars for S’morealicious Marshmallow Fluff Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar
and Vanilla Marshmallow Fluff; Suki Tea’s Mango Tango Tea, Two Stacks Fruit Drops Irish
Whiskey- Blackberry Brandy Cask Finish; Wilson’s Country Naked Mash and Yellow Door
Portadown’s Plain Pancake and Apple Crostata, Moorcroft Foods – Coopers Chilli Biltong
and Coopers Garlic Biltong,; Ispini Charcuterie – Coppa, and Fennel Salami; The Lamb Van –
Lamb Burger; Granny Shaw’s – Sticky Toffee Sauce; Wavey Ice – Twisted Tropical Whiskey
Ice Pops; Creightons of Balmoral Ltd – Vegetable Broth and Burren Balsamic’s – Wild Garlic,
Salt and Pepper Mill.

This year saw a record number of entries, with 14,340 products being submitted from 110
countries across the globe.

Great Taste is recognised as the most influential food and drink accreditation scheme in the
world, not only because it was established more than 30 years ago, but also for the
robustness of its multi-layered review process. The judging panel of over 500 industry
experts, including chefs, critics, food technologists, retailers, food writers and other
specialists, pored over each product over the course of 110 days.

Every entry is judged on its own merit as a standalone product and tasted completely blind.
There is no packaging to give away provenance, no hint of who has made it, just a factual
description provided by the producer as guidance. The judges consider flavour first and
foremost, followed by appearance, aroma, texture and mouthfeel before it is determined
whether the product warrants one of the famous black and gold seals of approval.
In total 39.6% (5,680) of entries received an accolade. There were 3,899 1-star awards,
1,508 2-stars and only 273 products (1.9% of all entrants) received the coveted Great
Taste 2025 3-star award.

Vegetable shoppers here are able to enjoy a broad range of locally grown produce
from the enterprise of a teenage entrepreneur in Co Armagh that dates back 60
years.
Farmer’s son Thomas Gilpin left school at 15 to work on the family farm near
Loughgall and was eventually to make a major contribution to the agri-food industry
through Gilfresh Produce the progressive food business he formed. The business
recently celebrated its 60 th anniversary.
Conscious of the growing demand for fresh vegetables for healthier diets, Thomas
started growing a small amount of scallions and cabbages in a four-acre field and
initially began selling the produce at markets in Belfast.
Today, the Gilfresh grows a broad range of vegetables, processes and packs them
for virtually all the main supermarkets on the island. The company, in addition, has
produced innovative vegetable packs for convenience. It grows all categories of
brassicas, roots, salads and even pumpkins!
The first taste of supplying retail customers came in the 1980s, when the growing
reputation of the business for fresh and quality vegetables led to an approach from
the then Stewarts Supermarkets, now Tesco, for produce. Tesco continues as a
customer.
The family business continued to grow and expand in terms of fresh and then
packaged produce, as well as in growing acreage and people. As a result, it is now
widely acclaimed for the consistent quality and innovation of its produce.
William, Thomas’s son, joined the business full time in 1999 and now leads the team
from a state-of the-art processing and packing facility at Loughgall.
Gilfresh Produce has grown to become one of the most impressive family
enterprises in the strategically important agri-food sector here.
Significantly, sustainability is at the heart of everything this enterprising local
company does. “As a leader in the fresh produce industry, we recognise our
responsibility to care for the environment, support our communities, and drive long-
term economic resilience,” explains William.
Central to this focus on sustainability is an impressive bio digester which turns waste
into electricity to power the fast growing business.

Millbay Oysters, part of Rooney Fish in Kilkeel, has won three stars again for its
worldclass oysters in Great Taste 2025.
Run by managing director Andrew Rooney, Millbay Oysters, a FoodNI member,
grows oysters on extensive farms in the pristine waters of Carlingford Lough.
It’s the second time that Millbay has been awarded three stars in Great Taste.
The family business, Kilkeel’s biggest seafood company, won three stars in
2021 and has also won the top award at Blas na hEireann.
Oysters harvested by Andrew and his team at Millbay are now prized by five-
star restaurants and high-end hotels especially in France and China. Their
success has resulted in Northern Ireland winning international recognition for
premium oysters, a food not previously associated with Northern Ireland in
global gastronomic circles.
Growth in Millbay exports has been promoted by the verdicts of food experts
who acclaimed the oysters as Ireland’s best in the Blas na hEireann, the Irish
National Food Awards, and by the coveted three stars in the UK Great Taste
Awards.
The unique oysters were described by food experts in Great Taste Awards as
“large succulent oysters” and “a great oyster” with a ”joyous sweetness that’s
like diving into the Pacific Ocean”. Other plaudits included “exquisite”, and
“absolutely breathtaking”.
Millbay oysters are exported across Europe and as far as China.
Oyster farming techniques at Millbay are focusing on maximising meat content.
Andrew says: “Our meat yield is generally 22 percent, which is greater than
most of our competitors. Existing and potential customers are increasingly
recognising this quality. As result, demand for the oysters especially in China is
extremely strong,” he adds.
He has a wealth of experience in exporting seafood from his role at Rooney
Fish, established by father John and mother Rosemary in 1975. Andrew now
runs both successful businesses.
Andrew established the oyster farm in 2014 as an extension to his role with
Rooney Fish and especially his focus on growing sales of fish and shellfish
abroad in highly competitive markets such as China, Japan and South Korea.
The business has also been focused on processing whole langoustines, Dublin
Bay prawns, frozen and cooked for retailers particularly in France.

Rooney Fish is also now the second biggest exporter of brown crab meat to
China. Products also appear in Tokyo’s famed sushi bars. Kilkeel whelks are
loved in South Korea.
The oyster farm marked a further diversification of the business into the fast-
growing aquaculture sector, an opportunity the company had identified during
export trips. Carlingford Lough was the perfect location because of its pristine
waters. The farm covers around 36 acres and is already one of the biggest on
the island.

Basalt Distillery, the rising Irish spirits house inspired by the raw geology of the
UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, has achieved a landmark moment in its journey. The
brand’s flagship Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) has been awarded the coveted 3
Stars in the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2025, earning a Golden Fork nomination,
while the bolder Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka
each received 2 Stars.
This achievement coincides with another milestone: Basalt’s nationwide launch in
Harvey Nichols stores, where its collection — including the Basalt Serve Set, a curated
gifting experience featuring Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin — is now available.
Exceptional Spirits, Forged by Nature
Founded by 28-year-old chemical engineers Martha Garbe and James Richardson,
Basalt Distillery was born from a vision to create ultra-premium spirits with a true
sense of place. Every drop is distilled with ultra-pure water drawn from a 600ft-deep
borehole, naturally filtered through the ancient basalt rock that forms the Giant’s

Causeway. This geological provenance, combined with scientific precision and small-
batch craftsmanship, defines the character and depth of Basalt’s spirits.

The recognition from the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards — widely regarded
as the benchmark for excellence in food and drink — marks Basalt as one of the
standout spirits producers to watch. Judges described the flagship 3-Star Basalt
Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) as:
“A gin with a truly bracing, bright and complex aroma… thrillingly briny and alive,
evoking the air on the shore with a storm rolling in. Layers of salinity, pepper spice,
and citrus evolve in waves, with a soft creaminess and umami depth that lingers.
Fascinating, distinctive, and irresistible — pure alchemy.”

The 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) was praised as:
“serious and sophisticated… powerfully aromatic yet balanced, with kombu, citrus, and
spice delivering a bracing, complex experience, softening beautifully with ice or tonic.”
Meanwhile, the 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka was recognised for its clarity,
purity, and elegance, with judges noting:
“remarkable smoothness and precision, a rich mouthfeel, and hints of macadamia and
cereal — a testament to meticulous craft.”
Rapid Momentum in 2025 for Basalt Distillery
Since its launch in 2022, Basalt Distillery has rapidly established itself as one of the
most exciting new names in the ultra-premium spirits market. Its achievements in 2025
now include:
3 Stars & Golden Fork nomination – Great Taste Awards 2025
2-Star Great Taste Award for Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Voclanic
Rock Vodka.
Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters 2025 (Ultra-Premium category)
Young Business Woman of the Year – Northern Ireland 2025 (Martha Garbe)
Young Business Leader of the Year – Workplace & Employment Awards 2025
(Martha Garbe & James Richardson)
Now stocked nationwide at Harvey Nichols (UK), alongside other high-end retailers
and travel retail partners including Marks & Spencer Ireland and Belfast
International Airport.
A Word from the Founders
“This year has been a turning point for us,” says co-founder Martha Garbe. “To receive
3 Stars and a Golden Fork nomination from the Great Taste Awards while seeing Basalt
on the shelves of Harvey Nichols feels surreal and deeply rewarding. These milestones
reflect what we care about most — authenticity, innovation, and a relentless focus on
quality. We’re proud to see our spirits standing alongside some of the most respected
names in the world.”

Where to Experience Basalt
Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin, Vodka, and the Basalt Serve Set are now available in all
Harvey Nichols stores nationwide, as well as select premium retailers, travel retail
locations, and at basaltdistillery.com.
For press enquiries, interviews, imagery, or samples, please contact:
Martha Garbe
Co-Founder
Email: martha@basalt-distillery.com
Phone: 07446878498
@basaltdistillery | #BasaltAtHarveyNichols

Patrons of Harvey Nichols, the iconic store in London’s plush Knightsbridge, now
have an opportunity to experience award-winning gin and vodka distilled close to the
famed Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim.
Volcanic Rock Gin and Vodka from Basalt Distillery, a FoodNI member, in Bushmills
is now on the shelves of Harvey Nichols, rated the world’s leading luxury retailer, in
London and its other stores in Edinburgh and Dublin. Basalt Distillery was founded in
2022 by Martha Garbe and James Richardson, chemical engineering graduates from
Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University.
The business breakthrough in London coincided with the innovation-led distillery’s
success in this year’s influential UK Great Taste Awards, winning seven stars,
including a coveted three stars and a Northern Ireland Golden Fork nomination for its
gin, and two-stars each for a gin and vodka. A Golden Fork is awarded to the best
local product in the awards.
The gin was praised by the expert judges as “serious and sophisticated… powerfully
aromatic yet balanced with kombu, citrus, and spice delivering a bracing, complex
experience, softening beautifully with ice or tonic”. The vodka was recognised for its
“clarity, purity, and elegance”.
Basalt Distillery has won widespread acclaim for its ultra-premium spirits, gaining
gold in The Spirits Business Gin Masters 2025; Young Business Woman of the Year
– Northern Ireland 2025 (Martha Garbe); and Young Business Leader of the Year
(James and Martha).
Martha is understandably jubilant at the host of prestigious awards. “This year has
been a turning point for us,” she says. “To receive three-stars and a Golden Fork
nomination from the Great Taste Awards while seeing Basalt on the shelves of
Harvey Nichols feels surreal and deeply rewarding.
“These milestones reflect what we care about most — authenticity, innovation, and a
relentless focus on quality. We’re proud to see our spirits standing alongside some of
the most respected names in the world,” adds Martha.

FoodNI member DELI LITES, a food manufacturer based in Warrenpoint, Co Down, has announced a significant investment in its sandwich production and ‘heat-to-eat’ range.
The brand plans to put £12.8m towards automating production and broadening its product range – backed by business development agency Invest NI through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative.
A further £6m investment from the company will help upskill its existing workforce and create 130 jobs.
Caoimhe Archibald, economy minister for Northern Ireland, said: “The north’s food and drink processing sector is a true local success story, with latest statistics showing that it generates £6.5bn in sales and supports more than 25,500 jobs across our towns and countryside.
“This investment will unlock significant growth opportunities for DELI LITES in this exciting sector.
“Increased capacity and new automated equipment will boost productivity and enable it to expand its fresh and frozen ranges, grow its sales in Britain and Ireland, and open up additional export markets.
“With 78 per cent of our food and drink sold outside the north, this industry showcases the quality, innovation and global appeal of what we produce right here at home.
“The creation of 130 new jobs in Warrenpoint, which will help leverage almost £10m in wages and salaries across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area by 2027, is also good news as we work to deliver a more regionally balanced economy.”
Established in 1998 by husband-and-wife Brian and Jackie Reid, DELI LITES supplies fresh gourmet sandwiches and food-to-go products to convenience stores, supermarkets, major coffee chains and international airlines.
Customers include Applegreen, Costa Coffee, Aer Lingus and American Airlines.
Brian Reid, chief executive at DELI LITES, said: “Since our beginnings over 30 years ago, we are now an all-Ireland business with export sales growing in international markets.
“We’ve always been a trailblazer in our sector, shown when we became the first sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland to achieve B Corp certification.”
As well as expanding its storage and production process, DELI LITES will continue to invest in research and development to enhance its product range for international markets.
Jackie Reid, co-founder and chief scientific officer at DELI LITES, said: “Bringing even more products to our snacking and convenience range and investing in production and automation will significantly increase our capacity and customer reach.
“We’re delighted to be growing our team in Warrenpoint to bring further expertise into the business and help us achieve our vision to transform how the world experiences food on the move.”
DELI LITES’ investment will increase its capabilities and reduce food waste by up to 50 per cent.
Invest NI’s Agri-Food Investment Initiative is a £46m scheme to help local agri-food and drink processors improve their competitiveness and productivity.
Gráinne Moody, director of food and drink at Invest NI, added: “This significant project builds on our previous support for DELI LITES to develop its product range for the European market.
“Its success has positioned the company to become a key supplier for the global airlines sector.
“This new project will increase innovation and boost productivity by transforming labour-intensive processes and increasing digitalisation.
“Our overseas trade teams are also working with DELI LITES to explore new international markets as it grows.”
The new jobs include a range of highly skilled positions, ten of which are management positions – including a new chief commercial officer.
The Agri-Food Investment Initiative is open to applications from all eligible agri-food and drink processors in Northern Ireland to access support towards productivity improvements.