2 new flavours from Food NI member Poco Picante to bring the range to 4!

Habanero Chilli Salsa Mango – Inspired by the fiery flavours of Merida, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula where ripe Mango meets the raw heat of the mighty Habanero Chilli – this one hits different.

Jalapeño Chilli Salsa Verde – Inspired by the bold flavours of Puebla, in Central Mexico where Jalapeños meet zesty lime and smoky fire — this salsa verde delivers a herby punch you won’t forget.

For more information on our Food NI member Poco Picante, visit: https://pocopicante.co.uk/

Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen, home of a unique double gin and vodka, multi-
award-winning products was in New Orleans last week at the annual Tales of
the Cocktail global cocktail festival, a colourful occasion that Boatyard has long
been keen be a part of.
A FoodNI member, the Fermanagh distillery took part in the colourful event in
the historic city dubbed ‘The Big Easy’ as part of an ongoing drive to accelerate
sales in the US as the industry in Europe and Asia faces the threat of increased
tariffs from the Trump administration.
Boatyard is already experiencing high levels of sales and recognition in the US
for its products especially among cocktail mixologists in high-end bars.
Earlier in the year, the distillery projected its US sales to soar by 700 percent,
following a strategic partnership with New York’s influential and highly regarded
Banfi Vintners in the US. Through the partnership, the distillery’s flagship
product, Boatyard Double Gin, was initially launched in 13 US states ahead
planned full nationwide distribution soon.
Boatyard said the collaboration could increase global sales by 150 percent by
the end of 2025. Cristina Mariani-May, third-generation family proprietor and
chief executive of Banfi hailed Boatyard as having “created something truly
special, and we have been particularly impressed by its early performance in
the US market.
During the industry event in New Orleans, the distillery aimed to build on its
success in the UK with bartenders in top London bars who named Boatyard gin
as the best.
Spirits from the small distillery, founded by industry veteran Joe McGirr in 2016,
now the chairman of the enterprise, were boosted significantly by recognition for
their superb quality and outstanding taste in the inaugural Class Report by the
influential Bar Magazine
In addition to the remarkable endorsement by leading bartenders, Boatyard
Distillery was also listed the number seven best-selling gin, and number eight
best-selling vodka in the UK. Boatyard is clearly holding its own among the
world’s most recognised global players in both top selling spirits.
Reporting on both the bartenders’ favourites as well as the best-selling brands,
the Class Report brings the UK bar industry insight into what brands the best

bars in the UK are using and their buying and selling habits. Brands do not
enter these awards but are identified by consumer behaviour and the
bartenders themselves as the brands that really excite them.
The Fermanagh distillery is Northern Ireland’s leading supplier of gin for
cocktails in top London hotels. The company, which is based on the shores of
picturesque Lough Erne in a converted boathouse, is also close to the
introduction of a single malt Irish whiskey from local grain.
The company, in addition, has developed an impressive information centre and
provides a programme of tours. It has also won widespread acclaim for its
commitment to preserving the environmental sustainability, particularly through
its “Better Boatyard” initiative and B Corp certification.
The progressive distillery has implemented various practices to reduce waste,
reuse materials, and minimise its environmental impact, earning accolades such
as the “Sustainable Spirits Product of the Year” award. 
Boatyard was the first distillery in Ireland to achieve B Corp certification,
demonstrating its commitment to high standards of verified performance,
accountability, and transparency in areas like employee benefits, charitable
giving, supply chain, and input materials. 

Boatyard managing director Declan McGurk says: “Now with our product
available in Louisiana we took part in an exciting initiative called the Irish House
alongside our friends at bar1661 from Dublin.
“The Irish House was the largest single event gathering of Irish bars and Irish
spirit brands, running at the world’s largest cocktail and spirits festival. A first of
its kind, it showcased the best of Irish drinks, hospitality and culture all under
one roof on a unique world stage.
“Located in the heart of the French Quarter, just steps away from the Tales of
the Cocktail Conference centre, the Irish House took place at an authentic New
Orleans bar,” adds Declan. “We were delighted to be a part of such an
important opportunity for Boatyard and the wider industry in Ireland.”
A longstanding Boatyard customer, bar1661 is ranked among Dublin’s best
bars and specialises in innovative cocktails.
Tales of the Cocktail is an annual week-long festival in New Orleans celebrating
the cocktail and spirits industry. The festival this year took place from July 20-
25, 2025, with this year’s theme being “Evolve,” focusing on the ongoing
transformation of the cocktail world. It featured educational seminars, tastings,
networking opportunities, and special events for both industry professionals and
cocktail enthusiasts. 
The annual Tales of the Cocktail is deeply rooted in New Orleans’ cocktail
culture, with events highlighting the city’s unique contributions.

FoodNI member, Rademon Estate Distillery, home of Shortcross gin and Irish
whiskey, has received numerous awards, including multiple accolades for both
their gin and whiskey products. Notably, Shortcross Gin has won a Master at
the Gin Masters and a number of gold and silver medals.
The Shortcross Irish Whiskey has been recognised as Ireland’s Best New Irish
Whiskey in 2021. Furthermore, the distillery’s Distiller’s Duo whiskey blend has
also won gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards. 
The family-owned and run enterprise, which features a state-of-the-art distillery
and visitor complex, is now among the most ‘decorated’ brands in the UK and
Ireland. It’s also among the most innovative in terms of its output of gins,
whiskeys and poitin.
The company recently won three major awards for its gins from The Spirit
Business publication which celebrates excellence in the spirits industry,
recognising outstanding brands, products and individuals across various
categories. The prestigious awards were judged by the editorial team and a
panel of independent experts drawn from the international industry.
David Boyd-Armstrong, who founded the business with wife Fiona, now-the
managing director, in 2012 to create a new type of gin, is justifiably proud of the
company’s amazing achievements in the years following the launch. Back then,
there was just one distillery here; Old Bushmills in Co Antrim.
Echlinville at Kircubbin gained a licence to distil spirits the following year and
has also gone on to achieve international acclaim especially with its Dunville’s
range of premium Irish whiskeys and Weaver’s gin.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the achievements of Shortcross:

Gin Awards:
 Master (Ultra Premium Gin category): Shortcross Gin at the Global Gin
Masters
 Gold: Shortcross Citrus Drizzle Gin
 Silver: Shortcross Wild Clover and Casked Aged Gin
 Gold and Silver: Shortcross Citrus Drizzle Gin 
Whiskey Awards:
 Best New Irish Whiskey 2021: Inaugural release of Shortcross Irish
Whiskey 
Gold (Peated Whiskey category): Shortcross 5 year old Peated Single Malt Irish
Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Awards 
Gold: Shortcross Distiller’s Duo Irish Whiskey 
Overall Winner (Blended Irish Whiskey category): Shortcross Distiller’s Duo
Irish Whiskey 
92 Points: Shortcross Distiller’s Duo awarded 92 points by VinePair 
Other Notable Mentions:
 Rademon Estate Distillery was shortlisted for the Icons of Whiskey
Ireland 2019 
The distillery received a San Francisco Seal of Approval 
Shortcross Gin has been recognised as ‘Ireland’s Most Awarded Gin’
The distillery was featured in VinePair’s “15 Best Irish Whiskeys for 2025” with
their Distiller’s Duo. 
The awards demonstrate Rademon Estate Distillery’s commitment to quality
and innovation in both gin and whiskey production, establishing the distillery as
a prominent name in the Irish spirits industry. 
Awarded Ireland’s Best New Irish Whiskey 2021 in the Irish Whiskey Awards.
Shortcross Gin: Trio of awards at the global gin masters for Rademon Estate
Distillery
David is “quietly chuffed” that Shortcross Gin has been awarded the highly
coveted ‘Master’ accolade in the Ultra Premium Gin category.
The most recent awards for Rademon Estate Distillery from The Spirit Business
publication are two Gold Medals and a Master Medal for its Shortcross Citrus
Drizzle Gin, Shortcross Gin and Shortcross Cask Aged Gin respectively.
Rademon also won a further Gold medal with its new Shortcross 5 year old
Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey, which won Gold in the Peated Whiskey
category at the 2024 year Irish Whiskey Awards.

Rademon, in addition, is the first distillery in Northern Ireland to produce peated
Irish whiskey in over two generations, another demonstration of its strong focus
on innovation.
David is also chairman of Drinks Ireland in Dublin, the industry leading body.
His role is to guide the spirits category in Ireland towards continued success
emphasising the quality of Irish spirits on a global scale
Drinks Ireland Spirits represents the spirits industry across Ireland on policy
advocacy, taxation, trade and market developments, and the ongoing
international protection of Ireland’s Geographic Indicators (GIs). 
David continues: “The spirits industry across the island of Ireland has a vibrant
offering and is central to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the island.
Domestic sales and exports have steadily risen after a challenging few years.
“It is wonderful to see the growing awareness and appreciation both at home
and abroad of unmatched quality of Irish spirits, especially our protected
Geographic Indication (GI) spirits: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Poitín,” he
adds.
The Co Down company is also making an important contribution to tourism in
Ireland through its whiskey and gin tours using its superb and purpose-built
Visitor Information Centre on the picturesque distillery outside the village of
Crossgar.

The Richhill Apple Fayre is being held on 25th October in the Village Square.
A celebration of the Apple harvest, produce and crafts, with something for everyone. Fayre Day is the penultimate event to a week long festival of cookery demonstrations, concerts, table quiz and fireworks display. Rounding of the week with a Community Thanksgiving Service on the Sunday.

21st – Cookery Demonstration – Local Chef’s
22nd – Concert
23rd – Table Quiz – local refreshments available
24th – Alternative Halloween & Fireworks – Hot Dogs & Apple Tarts
25th – Richhill Apple Fayre Day – 10-4 Local produce & food, Cider Alley, crafts, local musicians and entertainment for all.
26th – Community Thanksgiving Service with refreshments afterwards.

Lidl Northern Ireland has announced its largest ever intake of local food and drink producers to the retailers Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, giving 17 small and medium local suppliers the opportunity to supply their products to 229 Lidl stores on the island of Ireland.

The ‘Kickstart Class of 2025’ will enjoy a ‘foot-up’ as part of a six-month development programme which is backed by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA).

Following a competitive pitch process to find the best and most innovative local products on the market, a place on the programme offers suppliers dedicated business support from Lidl’s in-house experts, advancing their product, brand and business with practical guidance on how to scale production, drive production efficiency, as well as support around product development and packaging.

Now in its eighth year, Lidl Northern Ireland has invested more than £4 million in Kickstart, supporting 45 local agri-food producers and showcasing over 52 innovative home-grown products to half a million weekly customers in Northern Ireland.

Suppliers involved in this year’s supplier development programme – who hope to see their products on shelves from September – include Ormeau Road gelato brand, Al Gelato; Lurgan based artisan bakery New Found Joy, who specialise in Gluten Free products; The Doggie Pawtisserie, who have reinvented treat time for four-legged family members; and Dukes Ultra-Premium Ice Cream, a farmhouse brand born out of lockdown boredom.

Speaking about the success of Kickstart to date and the exciting line-up of new locally produced products on the programme this year, Kate O’Driscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to announce our intake of suppliers on this year’s Kickstart Development Programme. Kickstart is more than just a route to shelf – it’s a springboard for growth, and this year’s record intake in Northern Ireland is a testament to the talent, innovation, and quality coming from Northern Ireland’s food and drink producers.

“Across a six-month development programme, our experts work hand-in-hand with each supplier to offer tailored mentoring on production, packaging, marketing and scaling – helping them unlock their potential and futureproof their business.

The suppliers have a really exciting range of products coming to Lidl stores this September including farmhouse ice cream, scotch eggs, sauces and ready meals. Some of the more unique items are artisan dog treats; sleep pillow spray made using Irish lavender and a popular product amongst health-conscious customers ginger shots.”

Commenting about previous suppliers’ successes from the programme Kate O’Driscoll added:

“Hellbent is a perfect example of what Kickstart is all about. Since securing a place on the programme just three years ago, they’ve not only earned a permanent listing but have also tripled their Lidl contract value to over £1 million. We’re incredibly proud of their success – and excited to see what this year’s cohort will achieve.”

Founded by Ulster Rugby stars Louis Ludik and Schalk van der Merwe, Hellbent blends bold South African flavours with quality Irish and Northern Irish meat to create a standout range of spicy products, including their popular Chakalaka Boerewors.

Louis Ludik – who started the business with Ulster Rugby teammate Schalk in 2018 and took part in the programme in 2021 – commented on the support they have received from Lidl:

“Joining the Kickstart programme was truly transformative for Hellbent. As former rugby players stepping into the food industry, we had the passion and product but needed guidance on scaling a retail business. The mentorship from Lidl’s team helped us refine everything from production processes to packaging and marketing strategy.

“What started as a small opportunity has grown beyond our expectations – securing a permanent listing and expanding into more than 800 Lidl stores across Ireland and the UK. The programme gave us not just shelf space, but the business knowledge to build a sustainable brand.”

Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, said:

“We’re proud to partner once again with Lidl Northern Ireland on Kickstart, this impactful programme, which opens doors for ambitious, local food and drink companies to access new markets, scale their operations and grow their brand on a national stage.

“As our largest manufacturing sector, food and drink plays a critical role in Northern Ireland’s economy – supporting some 113,000 jobs across the supply chain and contributing £8bn to the local economy.

“Congratulations to all 17 successful candidates this year. Their success is a positive indicator of the strength and diversity of our industry, and we look forward to seeing their products hit the shelves in Lidl stores this September.”

Demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative local suppliers beyond the programme itself, Lidl Northern Ireland awarded a £200,000 contract to Kickstart alumni, Holmes Bakery in 2023. The award-winning Portadown based business expanded its 20-strong workforce by a further three employees following the deal with Lidl Northern Ireland, which added fifteens, caramel fingers to more than 40 Lidl stores across the region.

Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart programme is a key part of the retailer’s broader commitment to supporting the local economy. In 2024, Lidl Northern Ireland procured more than half-a-billion pounds (£530 million) from local suppliers and business partners across Northern Ireland, according to latest Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report.

This year’s selected producers will embark on a tailored development journey before launching in Lidl Northern Ireland stores in September 2025.

For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, visit lidl-ni.co.uk/kickstart

A delicious and healthy option for the developing BBQ season has been crafted by
award-winning food enterprise Finnebrogue in Downpatrick.
Now part of Canada’s Sofina Foods, Inc, the Co Down business that’s best-known
for healthier foods free from nitrites, other chemicals and gluten has collaborated
with Sainsbury’s, the up-market UK supermarket, on the launch of Premium Beef
Burgers from ‘select cuts of juicy beef with the unmistakeable flavour of Guinness”.
A FoodNI member, Finnebrogue, a hugely successful food producer that has worked
closely with top retailers including Marks and Spencer over the years, has supplied
the burgers exclusively to Sainsbury’s to the end of this month.
The Downpatrick-based manufacturer says the beef burgers are “perfect for the BBQ
season or as a weekend treat, they’re a match made in heaven”.
Respected internationally, particularly for its Naked range of bacon and ham made
without nitrites and other ‘nasties’, Finnebogue operates four modern factories in the
Downpatrick area that also specialise in plant-based foods. Naked sausages are
made for UK supermarkets without artificial additives.
Using only prime cuts of pork and beef, Finnebrogue combines artisanal production
methods with advanced manufacturing techniques to “lock in succulence, structure
and flavour”.

Founded by the late Denis Lynn, an acclaimed food innovator, in 1991 on the back of
his extensive experience in the local food industry, Finnebogue is now one of the
UK’s leading manufacturers of a wide range of meats.
It’s now a multi-million-pound food business that employs around 1,000 people in
four factories in Downpatrick that feature the latest production technology. As well
as its focus on technology, Finnebrogue has won acclaim for its initiatives to promote
sustainability and preserve the environment.
In 2018, Denis Lynn was named the UK’s most innovative director of the year by the
Institute of Directors. He was tragically killed in an accident on the family estate in
May 2021.
Finnebrogue now produces own-brand bacon, sausages and burgers for many UK
retailers, including Marks and Spencer, Asda and Waitrose.