Fermanagh’s unique Boatyard Distillery expects its US sales to soar by 700 percent
within six weeks, following a strategic partnership with Banfi Vintners in this
strategically important global marketplace.
Boatyard Gin has joined Banfi’s successful portfolio in the US. Both companies are
currently assessing if there’s likely to be a serious impact on likely business in the
US from President Trump’s shock new tariff rates on UK and EU exports to the US
Through the partnership, the distillery’s flagship product, Boatyard Double Gin, will
initially be launched in 13 US states before planned full nationwide distribution.
The collaboration is expected to increase Boatyard’s global sales by 150 percent by
the end of 2025, according to the Enniskillen business.
“This is a brand to be excited about,” said Cristina Mariani-May, third-generation
family proprietor and chief executive of Banfi. “Boatyard has created something truly
special, and we have been particularly impressed by its early performance in the US
market.
“In addition to producing exceptional gin, they are also an impressive team that
brings extensive experience and skill to the table and it is with great pride that we
welcome Boatyard to our Banfi family.”
Boatyard Distillery said the new partnership would boost the brand’s presence in the
on-trade and bring a ‘huge retail opportunity’ through instant access to all major US
chains.
Boatyard Distillery founder Joe McGirr, who is planning a new irish whiskey, said:
“This is the perfect time for us to lean into Banfi’s expertise and I am thrilled to be
working with such an inspiring leader as Cristina Mariani-May and her team. We
would not be in this position today without the invaluable support of our distillery
team and our investors.
“We are delighted to move into this expansive growth occasion for Boatyard where
we will now see the investment put into the brand returning itself through an
important uptick in revenue.”
Furthermore, Boatyard’s commercial director, Declan McGurk will move into the role
of managing director.
“Declan has been instrumental when it comes to Boatyard launching in the United
States,” McGirr added.

“Together with Michael Smoley, our first employee on the ground in the US, they
carved out a highly original method of launching Boatyard in the right way – with a
one-bottle-per-state approach, building it in the hands of bartenders first. Day to day,
nothing changes for us though.
“We are still focused on making the best gin we possibly can, so if someone thinks of
a Martini, we want them to think of Boatyard. This new partnership in the US will help
reinforce that vision and we are really excited to take Fermanagh on this journey with
us.”
Declan called the collaboration a “game-changing move” for Boatyard Distillery. He
is very w well known as an industry legend in the bar trade having enjoyed a
sparkling seven-year tenure at the world-renowned Savoy Hotel In London.
Under his stewardship, the American Bar was awarded World’s Best Bar in 2017 by
World’s 50 Best Bars. Declan also achieved personal recognition as he was crowned
Best Bar Manager in the UK at the 2019 Class Bar Awards.
Declan has strong family ties with County Fermanagh, with his parents living only a
few miles from the distillery, and some of his family having worked with the McGirr
family on the farm in years gone by. His grandfather, Eddie Duffy, was also a
regional hero for contributing to the local Traditional Irish Music scene, being the
namesake along with Mick Hoy at the Derrygonnelly festival.
It was whilst passing through Belfast International Airport where Declan discovered
Boatyard Double Gin. After being impressed by the taste there was almost shock at
seeing where it was produced, and a relationship formed leading to Declan’s
eventual appointment as the Commercial Director in 2020.
Ironically, even though he has worked in many great bars,  if you catch Declan
having a drink it is more likely to be a pint of the black stuff than a cocktail. If pushed
though he would tell you his favourite cocktail is a Martini, two to one ratio, and no
garnish. 

He noted: “We knew that if we launched in America correctly, the right opportunities
would present themselves. Banfi has a limited spirit portfolio and having Boatyard
selected as one of the lucky few to be a part of it is testament to the early
groundwork we have done.”
McGurk expressed his confidence in the company reaching its goal of becoming the
“number-one premium Irish gin brand in the world”.
The gin and vodka and soon to be whiskey producer became the first Irish distillery
to earn B Corp certification in February 2023 for its inspirational dedication to the
environment and sustainability.
Based in Tuscany, Banfi is known for its flagship Castello Banfi vineyard estate.

Irish Black Butter from Portrush has won the artisan category, in the World Food
Innovation Awards at the big International Food Exhibition (IFE) in London. The
company is a Food NI member.
IFE judges at the International Food and Drink Exhibition (IFE) named Irish Black
Butter, a small enterprise founded by Co Antrim businessman Alastair Bell to create
‘a new taste of Ireland’, the winner in the prestigious awards.
The multi-award-winning sweet/savour sauce was the only local product in the
awards that attract the attention of retailers and suppliers from the UK, Europe and
further afield.
Founded by Alastair in 2017, the sauce, which is made from Armagh Bramley
apples, has already collected a string of international food awards for outstanding
taste and premium quality including several UK Great Taste awards.
The IFE World Food Innovation Award recognises the most innovative food and
drink and ground breaking ideas from across the globe and provides business
opportunities in international markets.
Alastair, who has a farming background, says: “Winning the IFE World Food
Innovation Award was a fantastic boost for the business and will help to raise the
profile of Irish Black Butter around the world. We are already selling in a couple of
export markets especially the US.
The Co Antrim entrepreneur was up against artisan competitors such as Cheeses of
Wisconsin from the US; Opito Bay Salt, New Zealand; and SugarBean Candy from
the Bahamas.
Irish Black Butter also featured at the St Patrick’s Festival of culture, cuisine, and
music in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrating 30 years of the Sister City relationship
between Belfast and Nashville. Other local companies at the event are Boatyard
Distillery, Fermanagh

Moira’s multi-award-winning Abernethy Butter, one of Northern Ireland’s leading
artisan brands, has gained a major boost in Britain and other international markets.
A Food NI member, the small business, now owned by food entrepreneur Peter
Hannan, best known as managing director of Hannan Meats, also in Moira, has
achieved an extraordinary milestone by being named among the world’s 100 best
butters.

The influential Taste Atlas organisation has named three varieties of Abernethy
butter as the best in the world. Abernethy secured three of the top five spots in global
butter, further cementing its reputation for excellence. The three Abernethy flavours,
all hand crafted, rolled and packed in Moira, are: salted; dulse and Irish Sea salt; and
black garlic.

Taste Atlas is an organisation that aims to preserve local and traditional food and
dishes. Irish butter refers to butter made in Ireland from the milk of cows that have
been grass-fed, often without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. This high-
quality milk, rich in beta-carotene, results in a butter with a distinctive rich, creamy
flavour and a natural golden colour.

Taste Atlas says the grass-fed diet of the cows has a significant impact on the
flavour and texture of the butter, making it prized in culinary applications. “The
temperate climate in Ireland allows cows to graze on lush grasses for much of the
year, leading to these unique characteristics. Irish butter contains at least 82 percent
butterfat, giving it a distinct yellow hue. Today, Irish butter is generally considered a
premium product and is usually priced as such.
Peter Hannan, commenting on the latest recognition for the hand made butter, says
“Abernethy Butter is renowned for a dedication to traditional processes, finishing
butter by hand for exceptional quality and texture. Our dulse and Irish Sea salt Butter
combines handcrafted butter with dulse seaweed and Atlantic Sea salt, to deliver the
taste of the Irish coast.
“Our salted butter is a cultured butter made from locally sourced cream, hand-
washed, lightly salted, and shaped with wooden paddles for a smooth yet rustic
finish, while black garlic butter features the deep, mellow sweetness of fermented
black garlic, creating a rich and subtly sweet flavour. We’ve got French butter
producers in our sights,” adds Peter.

All three chef-endorsed butters have won a host of awards especially UK Great
Taste Awards from the influential Guild of Food Writers. 50 Food Stars award, a Blas
na hÉireann Irish National Food Awards, and a place among the Top 50 Foods in
Europe.
“The awards reflect our brand commitment to creating exceptional butters that blend
tradition with bold, contemporary flavours,” continues Peter, who acquired the butter
producer last year on the retirement of its original founders husband and wife team
Will, a Down farmer, and wife Allison, originally a district nurse. Their regular clients
included top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Roger Wareing and food stylist
Nigella Lawson.
Peter was among the most enthusiastic supporters of the Abernethy’s and helped
them develop significant business with iconic retailers such as Fortnum and Mason
in London’s Piccadilly. Other support from Peter’s other artisan companies, such as
En Place Foods in Cookstown, helped in the development of original butter flavours.
“This is a remarkable achievement which is a testament to Abernethy Butter’s
longstanding commitment to quality, sustainability, and flavour innovation,” Peter
adds.
By blending the rich heritage of Irish dairy from the best grass-fed milk with daring
new flavours, the small company continues to push boundaries and redefine what
premium butter can be. A dedication to traditional handcrafting methods ensures that
every batch maintains its artisanal charm and superior taste.
Under Peter’s ownership, Abernethy Butter has grown in sales and now supplies
major supermarkets including Marks and Spencer’s food halls in Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland.
The butter business is slated to be a key resident of a new artisan food hub being
planned by Peter just outside Moira. The visionary food hub for smaller producers
could mean a host of new foods and greater availability of existing products here and
abroad. The line-up also includes multi-award-winning charcuterie producer Ispini,
also now owned by Peter with founder Jonny Cuddy, a local pig farmer who has won
a host of awards for his cured meats.

Food distributor PRM Group in Lisburn is also working with Peter on the marketing of
the range of butters. PRM adds: “We are passionate about bringing the best in
artisanal food to our partners and customers. We believe that these award-winning,
handmade butters from Abernethy Butter will elevate dining experiences and inspire
new culinary creations.”

Handcrafted cordials from Papas Minerals in Bangor, Co Down, a specialist in
heritage soft drinks, have been listed by Dunnes Stores, Ireland’s biggest grocer.
The order from Dunnes for cordials comes as the Northern Ireland family business,
founded and owned by Wayne Adair, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its
formation. Papas Minerals is a Food NI member.
Wayne continues: “This is our biggest achievement yet—especially as we celebrate
25 years in business! To top it off, we’ve been invited by Dunnes to showcase our
award-winning cordials at the Dublin PTSB Ideal Home Exhibition in the next few
weeks, alongside other fantastic Simply Better range of premium food and drink
products.
“It’s been an incredible journey for us, and we’re so grateful for this tremendous
support from Dunnes in championing small artisan producers like ourselves. 
“We’re delighted to share that three of our most popular artisan cordials are now part
of the Dunnes Stores SimplyBetter range of premium products. The three cordials
are: Ginger; Winterberry; and Clove.
“The range of our drinks under the SimplyBetter Range is now available in 88
Dunnes Food and Drink stores across the Republic of Ireland. Many are also
stocked in Northern Ireland.
“Our handcrafted cordials are made with the finest ingredients and bursting with rich
flavours,” adds Wayne, who has been one of the longest traders at St George’s
Market in Belfast. The small company also supplies cordials to other major
supermarkets and hundreds of delis across Northern Ireland.

Papas Mineral Company produces high quality drinks and cordials free from artificial
flavours, colours and sweeteners. Papas is now the market leader in Northern
Ireland and the Republic in the production of nostalgic drinks that remind customers
of their childhood.
The ever popular non-alcoholic ginger wine is made from a 100-year-old recipe. It
packs a mighty kick when paired with whiskey to make a “whiskey mac”, but it’s
equally good mixed with soda water.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to announce that Garden Show Ireland is set to bloom again as it returns this year to Antrim Castle Gardens for a three-day extravaganza, 13th-15th June, promising a vibrant celebration of flowers, food, and fun for the whole family.

FoodNI are excited that we will be involved with the food elements of this event, both a producer fair and food to go offerings.

Applications will open on Tuesday 8th April, and close on Friday 18th April. Application outcomes will be communicated W/C 28th April.

Link to applications here:

PRODUCER: https://forms.gle/NxBn18cJNAjaBk3o8

FOOD TO GO: https://forms.gle/GHHGGzPNpEgL6MhL9

Please read each form carefully

Following the huge success of its inaugural year, it has been announced that the official NI Food To
Go Awards, sponsored by Henderson Foodservice, will return for the second year in a row this
November. The awards, spearheaded by the NI Food To Go Association, were launched in Belfast’s
Malmaison Hotel on Thursday, 3 April, with over 80 prominent figures from across Northern Ireland
in attendance.
Speaking at the launch, NI Food To Go Association Founder, Michael Henderson, said, “Last year’s
Food To Go Awards highlighted the hard work and dedication shown daily by food to go outlets
across Northern Ireland. Since then, we have seen our sector grow and flourish even more, and we
are excited to continue celebrating excellence at the 2025 Food To Go Awards.”
The NI Food To Go Association is the only official organisation that solely represents the food to go
industry, providing an expert voice, advice and advocacy under its “unite, support, grow” ethos. In
addition, the Food To Go Awards were launched in 2024, providing a benchmark of excellence to
celebrate and highlight the businesses which create the food to go industry here. The awards are
now the biggest event in the Northern Irish food to go calendar.
Speaking at the event, Junior Minister, Pam Cameron, commended the positive contribution the
sector makes to the local economy. Junior Minister Cameron said: “The food to go industry
continues to impact positively on so many communities across Northern Ireland and plays a key role
in our local economy. The sector has shown an extraordinary capacity to innovate, grow and evolve,
and the NI Food To Go Awards are a fitting tribute to the resilience, creativity and excellence of a
wide range of local businesses that enrich our culinary landscape.”

The professional judging panel will focus on more than just food quality as entrants will also be
assessed on their commitment to hygiene, sustainability, customer service and community
engagement while striving to reach higher standards of professionalism.
Kiera Campbell, Chairperson of the NI Food to Go Association and Sales Director at Henderson
Foodservice, added, “The Food To Go Awards serve as a moment to recognise the drive and passion
of those shaping the future of this industry. It’s a celebration of the companies that have embraced
innovation, adapted to changing needs, and consistently delivered exceptional customer service.
We’re thrilled to honour these trailblazers who continue to inspire and connect with communities
across Northern Ireland.”
Entries for the 2025 Food To Go Awards have now opened, with the gala ceremony taking place at
Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 and hosted by Q Radio presenter Ibe
Sesay.
For more information and to enter an award category, visit www.foodtogoawards.co.uk