What will Northern Ireland be like when all of the Covid-19 crisis is over? It’s the question that I’ve been thinking about following tele-conferences and telephone calls with our member companies and other agri-food industry bodies.

While I’ve been impressed by the inspirational dedication of so many food and drink processors to keep on supplying the best local products for consumers here, I’ve also been greatly concerned about the plight of dozens of artisan and smaller enterprises which have ceased production due to a collapse in cash flow over the past few weeks.

Many of those companies, mostly sole traders or husband and wife teams, are unable to access government support packages and are finding difficulty in securing funding from local banks. Some smaller companies have adapted to the challenge by investing in e-commerce and others have developed new home delivery services targeted to meet the specific needs of local people, especially the elderly and vulnerable. It has been heartening to see the ingenuity and compassion that people possess.

I fear, however, that we may lose a number of smaller ventures, including some with very original products, stimulated to start up during our Year of Food and Drink. Most of these have very limited resources and have been dependent on the now closed street markets across Northern Ireland. They haven’t the funds to invest in e-commerce or home delivery, which can be a hard way to make money.

I’ve urged the supermarkets to consider developing some opportunities for artisan and smaller businesses especially when the panic buying phase ends…and there are signs that it has. There’s also anecdotal evidence from companies I’ve talked to that consumers are coming back again to smaller local shops influenced partly by restrictions on going too far from home. Several companies providing van deliveries are also ready now to include artisan products from other suppliers. I’d certainly like to see more of this.

Many of our delis are doing their best for artisan producers but have had to limit opening hours to trim costs because of the sharp decline in footfall and unwelcome pressure from some landlords.

Food  NI continues to present a strong case for the agri-food industry, especially artisan and smaller companies, to the Executive. I was greatly encouraged by the joint statement from Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots and Economy Minister Diane Dodds, both long-time supporters of the industry in which they recognised the essential services being provided to this community particularly at this very stressful and unpredictable time.

Both are aware of the serious challenges currently being experienced by the industry and smaller enterprises.

As Minister Poots remarked: “Food production is sometimes taken for granted, but in this time of crisis, we are starkly reminded that it is an absolutely essential service and is a vital part of the government’s response to COVID-19.”

I am sure that everyone engaged in the industry appreciates greatly their support at this time….as well as in the future. The industry will need further support to recover from the Covid-19 outbreak and to emerge more strongly in the new normal, whatever that looks like.

Hopefully when this is over, people will have a better understanding and appreciation of the power of food in our society, in terms of its impact on health and the environment.

I believe that agri-food could be a major generator of our economic, environmental and societal recovery post-Covid-19.

Eight Northern Ireland craft distilleries – seven of them Food NI members – have temporarily switched production to develop hand sanitizers for the health services, care organisations and retailers for use against the Covid-19 coronavirus.

And Belfast Hot Sauce Company of Helen’s Bay, Co Down, which produces the Snow Patrol range of very hot sauces, has supported the inspirational initiative by donating thousands of plastic bottles.

The distilleries now producing hand sanitizers in Northern Ireland are:

Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, a specialist in gin, vodka and whiskey and a Food NI member;

Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee, Co Down, a producer of gin and a Food NI member;

Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Co Down, best known for its Dunville Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin and Echlinville Gin, Food NI member;

Killowen Distillery in Rostrevor, Co Down, a producer of whiskey, gin and poitin;

Mourne Dew, Warrenpoint, Co Down, a producer of gin and poitin will soon launch a sanitiser, a Food NI member;

Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar, Co Down, a Food NI member, producer of Shortcross Gin and Irish whiskey is also soon to launch a sanitizer;

Stillhouse Distillery, Moira, Co Down, a Food NI memberproducer of Irish potato vodka and fruit-infused liqueurs; and

Symphonia Distillery, Benburb, Co Tyrone, a distiller of gin, another Food NI member.

The craft distilleries reacted quickly to the widespread shortage of hand sanitizers for use in the fight against the deadly Covid-19 coronavirus by developing their own products, many influenced by the World Health Organisation formula which specifies the ingredients should include at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Most of the Northern Ireland craft distilleries are producing sanitizers with around 70 percent alcohol.

The sanitizers are mostly produced in one and five litre plastic containers.

 

What a heart-warming idea it was to celebrate the dedication of NHS staff at 8pm last Thursday, across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as they continue the fight to control Coronavirus.

I was delighted to join with so many people Northern Irelandin thanking NHS staff for their inspirational work…and not just in the life and death battle against Covid-19. And the same goes for all the carers out there in residential and nursing care.

While they do a tremendous job for us throughout the year,they absolutely deserve our gratitude at this time and musthave all the support they need to do their jobs and to provide the protection they require.

We really see the very best of Northern Ireland at challenging times. There’s now a widespread recognition that we are all in this together and that we will only defeat the virus by working as a united and determined community.

I’d also wish to pay the warmest tribute to our farmers, food processors and retailers, (particularly delis and independent grocers) who have stepped up their efforts to provide the quality and nutritious food we all need to fight the virus effectively and to speed up recovery. They are truly the unsung heroes of the pandemic here. Our farmers have quietly continued to produce quality, wholesome and nutritious meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, vegetables and potatoes, everything a healthy body requires.

Our Taste of Ulster member restaurants and cafes have also adapted to the crisis and continue to offer great food on a collection basis. Many have volunteered to help community organisations by cooking for those in need.

Environment secretary George Eustice has recognised the industry’s tremendous response to Covid-19 in an open letter paying a richly deserved tribute to the “absolutely vital service” being provided.

So many inspirational stories of food enterprises meeting the challenges of the crisis have reached my office from various sources. And I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the commitment and innovation they are demonstrating. For instance, a host of smaller companies have responded to the lockdown and the campaign to ensure more individuals and families can stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus by offering free delivery services that can be paid for by card. See www.nigoodfood.com for more details.

One innovative farm business has just revived a farm to doorstep fresh milk delivery service in the Portadown/Tandragee/Armagh City area. And families in the Dromore/Newtownards/Comber area can now enjoy freshly griddle baked breads delivered to their doors. It’s also easier than even to order fresh fish and seafood landed by trawlers in Co Down harbours for delivered straight to your door by companies in Kilkeel and Belfast.

Delis here have also been making it easier to enjoy nutritious fruit and vegetables by putting together bespoke boxes delivered to doorsteps.

Our bigger dairy, meat and poultry processing members are all working at full throttle to ensure fresh produce for retailers across Northern Ireland and to Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

I really cannot comprehend the panic for pasta when we have a ready supply of tasty potatoes from a host of local farmers and provided by processors in a wide range of easy cooked formats including for use in microwaves.

Distilleries here have also reacted to the crisis by switching into the production of hand sanitizers especially for health and care staff.

The response of our food and drink industry demonstrate is tremendous adaptability and its ability to react quickly to the needs of this beleaguered community. We’ll also need the industry’s skills and outstanding products in rebuilding our shattered economy when the virus has been defeated…and it will be and hopefully soon. I hope when life returns to normal that there is increased recognition of the part that everyone in the food and drink industry has played at this challenging time. Stay safe.

Extensive development sees the brand move forward in 2020 with new Corn and Bean range of products

Noisy Snacks, the award winning, innovative snack brand is to launch a new range of products following substantial investment in NPD. The brand refresh sees the delicious healthier snacks indulging all the senses, and releasing new flavours in a new packaging format.

Noisy Snacks will introduce convenient fully recyclable 45g pouches of toasted corn and bean snacks pre-mixed with extra additional flavouring that requires a vigorous ‘Shake it, to Wake it’ for a sensory-awakening experience.

Noel Allen, Founder, Noisy Snacks, said; “We have spent the last year extensively testing our new range on customers all over the UK. People love our enhanced flavours which have double the impact of regular snacks, and they also love our noisy ‘Shake it, to Wake it’ mechanic. Shaking the product ensures our bold and exciting flavours give a generous coating around the snacks themselves.”

“We are dedicated to creating delicious healthier snacking experiences that are memorable and fun. We put taste first and our knock out flavours will tantalise the tastebuds. Noise is our key product differentiator, however meeting and exceeding customer expectations on taste, feel, and smell are key components to our success in creating a memorable customer experience using all five senses.”

Noisy Snacks is a range of guilt free indulgence with 100% recyclable packaging, and are flexitarian, vegan, gluten free, high in fibre, and high in protein. The range includes;

• Noisy Corn Hot Wings Pouch, 45g, RRP £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)
• Noisy Corn Red Curry and Coconut Pouch, RRP 45g, £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)
• Noisy Corn Jamaican Jerky Pouch, RRP 45g, £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)
• Noisy Bean Chips Beef Brisket Pouch, RRP 45g, £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)
• Noisy Bean Chips Pulled Pork Pouch, RRP 45g, £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)
• Noisy Bean Chips Hot Spicy Salsa Pouch, RRP 45g, £1.00 – £1.29 (VAT free)

Further announcements are expected to confirm significant distribution deals with key retailers in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. The brand will also be investing in a social media campaign with a consumer interaction mechanic to drive mass friend to friend sampling.

The snacking industry in the UK and Ireland has been valued at £1,489.3m (Kantar), while the snacking market in the Netherlands is expected to grow to €1,107.2 by 2022* with the market there current valued at £995million.

For further information about Noisy Snacks please visit https://www.noisysnacks.com/ or call the sales team on +44 7470 467 057. Support Noisy Snacks by Making Some Noise! Tell your friends.

Luxury chocolate maker Neary Nogs in Northern Ireland has seen online sales soar to over 70 percent of its business in the past few months. The fast growth has also seen significant sales to the US, Britain, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands,Spain and Germany.

The artisan business, which is located in Northern Ireland’s iconic Mourne Mountains, near Rostrevor in county Down, has just launched a subscription which is contributing to the impressive growth in the family enterprise’s business.

Owned by husband and wife chocolatiers Shane and Dorothy Neary, the company recently opened a unique chocolate factory and visitor centre. “We’ve had to adapt our whole business model and shelve our plans to host tours because of the coronavirus,” explains Shane Neary.

“This meant switching virtually everything online and the development of initiatives such as our special subscription boxes of our hand crafted chocolates. A few weeks ago our online sales accounted for around 10 percent of our business due to our focus on markets and smaller retailers. Everything has changed from the advent of Covid-19,” he adds.

The enterprise has won a series of awards for the outstanding quality and wide range of chocolates including drinking chocolate powder from influential bodies such as the UK Great Taste Awards.

Subscribers are able to use the company’s website to sign up for a well-stocked box of delicious cacao nibs, drinking chocolate, a bar of the month, a chocolate sale of the month, sea salted caramel cups and a mystery item at £24.99 a month. Packaging and postage is freeto subscribers.

“The new subscription service enables lovers of luxury, handcrafted chocolates to enjoy them every month without having to remember to buy,” adds Mr Neary.“The boxes will arrive whenever they specify, making it easier than to enjoy fine, handmade chocolates,”

The small company has pledged its support for NHS professionals during the current crisis by offering subscribers the opportunity to nominate a key worker to receive a special chocolate donation.

Mr Neary continues: “Every time we sign up a new subscriber we will post out some free chocolate to any NHS staff member they nominate or anyone they feel deserves some love.  At the Checkout, all the subscriber has to do is enter an address and name for the free chocolate to go to and we will do the rest!

“We decided to develop this service for nominated healthcare staff because we’ve received tremendous help and support from the NHS over many years and we appreciate greatly the expertise and assistance that our family has experienced,” Mr Neary adds. “Healthcare professionals are currently working in the most extreme conditions in the efforts to defeat the virus. They deserve support from everyone,” he adds.

“We’ve also seen a heart warming trend of chocolates being ordered by people for delivery to family and friends with notes of kindness and encouragement.”

Newry-based whiskey company Matt D’Arcy & Co has unveiled its first whiskies in more than 100 years.

The company has released a 17-year-old single malt and a 10-year-old blend, aimed at the super-premium and premium whiskey markets respectively.

The brands are now available to purchase exclusively at the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin or to order online at www.celticwhiskeyshop.com, and the company says further listings will follow in the north and the UK.

The releases herald the revival of whiskey production in the Newry region, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty that has centuries of heritage in the distillation of whiskey.

The 17-year-old single malt has limited-edition of only 384 numbered bottles, each coming in hand-blown Italian crystal glass, while Matt D’Arcy’s other release is a 10-year old grain whiskey blended with 17-year old single malt finished in port casks.

The arrival on the market of these premium and super-premium whiskies follows the announcement of a £7.3 million investment in the original site of the Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company, with plans for an onsite distillery, restaurant, Victorian bar and international visitor centre.

Historian and Matt D’Arcy owner Michael McKeown said: “It’s a great triumph after so much hard work to be able to release these first batches of our whiskey.

“The discovery of the water source used in the original Matt D’Arcy Whiskey more than 200 years ago was a huge moment for us, and to see the whiskey now going to market has made this a really rewarding journey.

“The historical prominence of this area in the distilling of whiskey was significant and we are look forward to restoring that reputation,” he explained.

The company’s chief executive Andrew Cowan added: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring to market such a special old single malt along with our innovative blend to revive the whiskey making tradition in the Newry area.

“It’s been a long time in the making, but now we mark the start of production of Matt D’Arcy’s whiskey range and our plan is to bring forward subsequent new batches later in the year.

“The whiskies we are producing are aimed at the premium and super premium markets and will appeal to international whiskey collectors and enthusiasts or those looking for a very special whiskey to enjoy at home.”

He added: “Irish Whiskey is in serious demand in the international market, with whiskey distilled in Northern Ireland worth £26.6 million being exported annually.”

Local businessman Michael McKeown acquired the old distillery site on Monaghan Street in February 2017, the original location of D’Arcy’s Old Irish Whiskey since 1817, and the distillery opened last year.

The 14,000-square-foot site comprises a fully restored Victorian bar, restaurant and a visitor centre over several floors, and it aims to produce 9,000 cases a year of single malt whiskey for the premium market globally.