Ireland’s leading food to go manufacturer, DELI-LITES, a Food NI member company,
has won yet another national award at the UK Sammie Awards, recognised as the
Oscars in the sandwich and food to go industry awards.
The firm, launched in 1994 by co-founders, Brian and Jackie Reid took top prize in
the highly competitive Hot Category for its premium Roast Mushroom, Truffle and
Mascarpone Tosta
DELI LITES Food Innovation and Development Manager, Donna McGuire, was also
a nominee in the final of the Sandwich Designer of the Year’s Kings Fine Cooked
Meats Gammon category.
The latest accolade brings to six the number of awards won by DELI LITES in The
Sammies in recent years.
The winning gourmet sandwich was developed with airlines in mind and for the
higher-end premium market in general.
Jackie Reid explains:“The product, created by our Innovation Team, was in many
ways inspired by current global trends which place an increasing emphasis on gut
health and great tasting, quality ingredients.  We chose to use artisan Sourdough,
along with truffle and mushrooms with the mascarpone adding a layer of pure luxury
and premium indulgence.
“The standards within the Sammies continue to rise every year, so it was amazing to
hear the judges were unanimous in awarding us the Hot Category Award which was
open to any sandwich (not a range) marked by innovation in both the hot and cold
sectors and including, sandwiches, wraps, baguettes and paninis.
“Obviously it’s great to win and to have Donna featuring as a finalist in the Designer
of the Year category, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to see the very best within
the sandwich and food to go sector from right across Britain and Northern Ireland.
We always come away with fresh ideas to evolve our current product offering, which
is based on an extensive use of local, Irish ingredients with an international twist.”
Donna’s entry, “Hoggin’ the Mojo”, was inspired by her Caribbean travels.
“My creation was inspired by the bold, vibrant flavours I fell in love with during my
travels in the Caribbean. I’ve always loved how sweet and savoury work together in
the Caribbean cuisine, so I paired tender, high-quality gammon with candied papaya,
a kick of Dijon mustard and finished it with a zingy mojo sauce all on thick-cut fresh
bread to bring everything together for a delicious bite.”
She added: “Being a finalist is an honour and an exciting opportunity to showcase
the innovation and creativity we explore here every day at DELI LITES.”

DELI LITES was in the company of an array of retail giants and household names
including M&S, Starbucks, Greggs, Sainsbury and Caffe Nero.
The business, based on the outskirts of Newry, was set up  by foodie entrepreneurs,
Brian and Jackie Reid who drew inspiration from the New York deli scene and came
to life after a 6-week market research trip around Europe trip in a borrowed Peugeot
405.
DELI LITES is a privately owned producer of high-quality, chef-led fresh, frozen and
baked goods based in Ireland. It produces around 30m sandwiches annually and
boasts a growing number of export customers.

Award-winning family business Long Meadow Cider, a FoodNI member, has just
introduced an alcohol-free cider in response to a growing market trend towards
healthier drinks.
The company, which is based on the family orchards at Loughgall, has responded to
the strengthening trend in the UK and Ireland, especially from females, for a
refreshing cider drink that’s completely free from alcohol.
Long Meadow Cider, according to Alanna McKeever, the tourism and sales
executive, explains: “We had been monitoring market trends for some time and saw
an opportunity for us to use our longstanding expertise in the production of ciders
and apple juices to create an alcohol-free cider that maintained the refreshing
flavours of one of our successful ciders.
“We used our award-winning medium cider as the base for the new product. We’ve
been very excited by the feedback from customers who have tried it. The response
to the new cider was amazing at the launch at our launch in the fantastic FoodNI
Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show.
“We believe that we are the first Northern Ireland cider producer to offer a truly non-
alcoholic cider option,” adds Alanna.
Research shows that the trend of non-alcoholic drinks is experiencing significant
growth, driven by increased consumer awareness of health and wellness, a shift
towards moderate alcohol consumption, and a desire for different beverage options.
Formed by husband and wife team Pat and Catherine McKeever in 2012 and run
with son Peter and daughter Alanna, Long Meadow Cider is among Ireland’s the
most innovative and successful apple growers and cider processors.
The entrepreneurial family has also turned the apples, the orchards and the modern
processing operation into a ‘must see’ destination for locals and especially tourists
from many parts of the world interested in our food and drink. It’s become a thriving
business which is a key player in the local cider industry and has won a string of
awards for its products.

White’s Oats in Tandragee, Co Armagh, Ireland’s largest oat miller and breakfast cereal
producer, has marked a significant milestone in its Middle Eastern expansion signing a new
deal which will see its business with leading Qatari retailer Lulu Hypermarkets grow to
£500,000.
 White’s Oats now has five lines listed with Lulu Hypermarket including its Quick & Oaty
range, ActivOat High in Protein porridge pots and recently launch Toasted Oats Trip
Chocolate, with additional products due to launch in the autumn.
 Danielle Mc Bride, Marketing Manager, White’s Oats, said “Lulu continues to emerge as a
key international partner for White’s, playing a pivotal role in driving growth beyond Ireland
and Great Britain in a partnership that now represents a significant focus on White’s export
trade strategy.”
 White’s was in Qatar as part of a 23-member delegation in collaboration with the UK’s
Department for Business and Trade to take part in the 13 th annual British Food Festival
across Lulu hypermarkets.
 White’s promoted its vast portfolio of oat-based products, including its traditional and
organic oats, quick and oaty porridge pots, toasted oats and granolas to consumers and will
showcase its latest new product development, its ActivOat Pots, Oaty Bars and Oat
Caddys’, while celebrating the significant growth and investment the brand has achieved in
Qatar over the past two decades.
 Danielle said: “This was our first time participating at the British Food Festival, and we were
delighted to be there with our colleagues from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
showcasing both our Island’s rich food heritage and, commitment to providing high-quality,
sustainable oats directly to consumers across the region.
 “We were delighted to be exhibiting our brand and products at Lulu’s flagship store; offering
consumers the opportunity to try our products and learn more about our brand and what we
stand for. This store has strong footfall from Qatari citizens and expatriates, of which there
continues to be demand for authentic British foods.”
 Over the past two decades, White’s Oats has solidified its position as a trusted brand in
Qatar, with products now available in major retailers including Carrefour, Monoprix, and Lulu
and more recently Choitrams and Kibsons.
 “Qatar’s dynamic retail landscape continues to present us with new opportunities to
continue to expand our presence in this market and we look forward to continuing our
successful partnerships as we move forward into the next phase of our growth.” Danielle
continued.

Lulu Hypermarket, the flagship brand of Lulu Group, operates over 240 stores across the
Gulf Cooperation Council, Asia, and Africa, offering a wide range of products through
various retail formats and a strong e-commerce presence. With interests in logistics, malls,
and hospitality, Lulu continues to expand globally, highlighted by its 2024 IPO on the Abu
Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Food NI members The Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, home of Dunville’s Irish
Whiskey, Hinch in Ballynahinch and Two Stacks in Newry, a leading bonder and
blender, were successful at the recent globally supported San Francisco World
Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
The impressive results from Echlinville, Hinch and Two Stacks and other local
distilleries once again demonstrate the quality and innovation of whiskeys being
developed by independent producers here. Today, the whiskey industry is
thriving and generating sales to around 50 different nations, including major
markets such as North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Echlinville recently strengthened its position in the fastest growing global
markets. And Two Stacks in Newry, among the smallest producers, has seen
major export successes for its Dram in a Can canned single malt. It has won
global acclaim for this important innovation. Two Stacks gained three awards for
Double Irish Cream Liqueur, for a unique malt whiskey and the pioneering Dram
in a Can.
Owned by entrepreneur Terry Cross, Hinch, one of Ireland’s most impressive
distilleries, won two other awards for its small batch malts and blends. Hinch
Distillery in Balynahinch, among Ireland’s most modern facilities, gained gold for
its peated single malt. Chairman and founder Terry Cross says: “The whiskey is
now recognised as among the world’ best. It’s a bold, smoky whiskey that’s
crafted without compromise.” Hinch won two other awards for its small batch
malts and blends.
Echlinville Distillery, Ireland’s only field-to-fork spirit producer, collected five
awards, including double golds for Dunville’s Single Malt, in the global
competition, which is run by The Tasting Alliance and is the largest spirit
challenge in North America, with judges tasting more than 5,000 entries this
year. From those entries, more than 3,000 medals were awarded, including
more than 600 double golds.
Among other local successes in San Francisco were Bushmills, winner of 10
awards including two double golds; The Sexton, also from Bushmills;
Limavady’s Irish single barrel single malt, winner of a double gold for its single
malt
McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, which operates a distillery in the old Crumlin Road
Gaol in Belfast and recently welcomed 20,000 visitors, gained two double golds
for its sherry cask finish single malt and its five-year-old single malt.
There was an award too for Outwalker blended Irish whiskey.

Two FoodNI members are in line for unique all-island food awards organised by
Euro-Toques Ireland, a community of chefs and producers committed to celebrating
exceptional food.
Local nominees for awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best food
being produced on the island of Ireland, are Ballylisk Cheese, Ursa Minor
Bakehouse and Pheasant’s Hill Farm. The awards honour those who produce food
of “notable flavour and quality”. Ballylisk and Pheasant’s Hill are FoodNI members.
The annual Euro-Toques Food Awards take place next month at Ashford Castle in
Cong, Co. Mayo. 
Chef Aisling Moore, leader of the Euro-Toques Council, explains: “Each year, the
awards shine a light on the people, places, and practices that define and elevate
Irish food.
“Rooted in a deep respect for tradition, sustainability, and innovation, these awards
celebrate the exceptional work of producers who not only nourish their communities
but also steward the land, sea, and cultural knowledge that make Ireland’s food
landscape so unique.
“With each award, the council honours not just excellence in taste and technique, but
the stories and systems behind the ingredients, celebrating producers who champion
biodiversity, uphold traditional skills, and build resilient, transparent food cultures,”
adds Aisling.
Nominated in the Farm category, Pheasants Hill Farm specialises in a range of
sustainably produced grass-fed meat, free range lamb, pork and poultry.
 The quality of Ballylisk of Armagh Triple Rose soft cheese a family business run by
Mark Wright, is also celebrated with other craftspeople “who transform rich, raw milk
into delicate, flavourful cheeses that reflect both their landscape and values”. “These
producers are essential to the diversity and vitality of Ireland’s dairy landscape,
offering flavours that tell the story of place, passion, and provenance.”
Ursa Minor Bakehouse, a specialist in a range of handcrafted breads including
sourdough, is listed in the Traditional Craft/Skill category that honours “the people
behind the product who protect and preserve our culinary skills, technique and craft,
whilst inspiring the future”.

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.