The highly anticipated GroceryAid Grocers Ball 2025, an evening dedicated to
celebrating the heart of the community, is set to take place on Friday 13th June at
the Culloden Hotel & Spa. This prestigious event will bring together 370 grocery
industry professionals for a night of fine dining, entertainment and live music, with an
extensive range of prizes for those who have luck on their side – all in the name of
GroceryAid.
Organised in aid of GroceryAid by key representatives from across the industry, the
event in its 26th year hosted at the Culloden Hotel & Spa, is now recognised as the
industry’s premier night, where the Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Award
winners are also recognised.
Desi Derby, Grocers Ball Chair, said “The Grocer’s Ball has become a highlight
event in the local grocery calendar. The Sub-Committee and I are really looking
forward to the event which promises an evening of great food, entertainment, prizes
and craic. And in doing so we’ll raise vital funds to support local grocery colleagues
through a range of emotional, practical and financial services.”
The Grocers Ball wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of our
sponsors, including this year’s title sponsor Freixenet Copestick – available at Drinks
Inc. Shane McNally, Country Manager said, “We’re thrilled to continue our support
for such an important event and charity in GroceryAid. The work the charity does to
support colleagues across our industry is more vital than ever. As economic
challenges persist, events like these remain invaluable. We’re proud this partnership
has raised essential funds that directly contribute to supporting thousands of people
every year.”
Other Gold sponsors include Coca Cola Hellenic, DFDS, Henderson’s, Hinch
Distillery, Hovis, Isle of Man Creamery, Kerry Foods, Pilgrim Foods, Moet Hennessy,
Musgrave, Sainsbury’s, SHS, Tesco & Travel Department.
All funds raised from the Grocer’s Ball will directly support GroceryAid in the efforts
to provide year-round services, including financial, emotional and practical support.
In 2024 we raised a staggering £135,000 which went a long way in supporting many
people overcome a difficult point in their lives. GroceryAid delivered £8,000 to its
benefactors 6 years ago, increasing to an incredible £163,000 last year, that’s up
35% on 2023 – supporting 322 people with financial grants. This magnificent
achievement wouldn’t have been possible without all your support.
The incredible amount of money raised through the 3 NI events (The Grocers Ball,
Sunday Lunch and Golf Day), allowed GroceryAid to provide emotional, practical and
financial support to over 1,500 people. This support included over £163,000 financial
support to those on the breadline as a result of running out of sick pay, becoming
homeless, not being able to afford the essentials as well as the School Essentials
Grants. None of this would be possible without the support of all our sponsors.

Tickets are now on sale for the Grocers Ball! Contact Davy Neill
David.Neill@pilgrimsfoodmasters.com
Want to find out more about how you can get involved or even become a Gold
Sponsor? Contact Desi Derby desi.derby@musgrave.ie

Food NI member Suki Tea, Northern Ireland’s multi-award-winning artisan tea brand,
has launched an exclusive new blend: the Royal Hillsborough Blend, created in
partnership with Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Available only at the castle, this blend marks a new chapter in Suki’s remarkable
journey from a Belfast bedroom startup to a sustainable business, a B-Corp pioneer,
now based in Lisburn.
The Hillsborough blend was born from a chance meeting between Suki’s co-founder
Annie Irwin and Laura McCorry, chief executive of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,
at a NI Food & Drink showcase at Westminster.
Suki had just relocated to Lisburn — a move driven by the need for more space and
better accessibility — and the timing felt right to suggest a collaboration worthy of the
castle’s regal heritage.
The result? “A bespoke tea that reflects the grandeur of Hillsborough Castle, with a
distinctive twist. Think aromatic bergamot notes reminiscent of Earl Grey — a subtle
nod to the Earl of Downshire — paired with the delicate tropical character of
pineapple, adding a whisper of cheeky charm,” adds Annie, who founded and runs
the business with Oscar Woolley.
“We wanted to capture the essence of Hillsborough — something that felt refined but
also surprising. The pineapple brings a touch of unexpected delight,” she says.
This blend is available exclusively at Hillsborough Castle and was also showcased at
the Balmoral Show last week as part of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Food and Drink
Pavilion.
Founded 18 years ago, Suki Tea has grown into one of the UK’s most respected
independent brands.
Their achievements speak volumes:
 Over 50 Great Taste Awards
 Certified B Corporation and plastic-free packaging
 Exporting to 17 countries
 Partnerships with iconic brands like Bushmills and Yellow Door
 Founders committed to social change through initiatives like Tea Kids,
improving nutrition for children in tea-growing communities
“This new blend encapsulates everything Suki stands for: ethical sourcing,
exceptional flavour, and a deep-rooted sense of place,” adds Annie

FoodNI member Ballylisk Cheese in Portadown has won two major awards for its
creamy Triple Rose cheese in as many days!
The family business gained a unique Artisan Cheese Award, one of the most
important in the UK and Ireland, and then, a day later, the highly influential Euro-
Toques Ireland Dairy Award for the unique cheese.
The company hand crafts a triple cream and other soft cheese that have won a host
of awards for its quality and outstanding taste. These include a three-star UK Great
Taste and Blas na hEireann awards
Using exceptionally creamy milk from a single pedigree grass-fed Holstein herd on
the Wright family farm just outside Tandragee, Ballylisk was the winner in the fiercely
competitive Farmhouse Cheese category in the Artisan Cheese Awards that
attracted entries from across the British Isles. Ballylisk gained several other medals
for its quality cheese at the showcase.
The awards were an integral part of the Cheese Festival held at Melton Mowbray in
Leicestershire, a town, long famous for its pork pies and known as Britain’s ‘Rural
Capital of Food’.
Euro-Toques celebrate Ireland’s culinary heritage and is a community of chefs and
cooks supporting small and artisan food producers and sourcing the best quality
ingredients available locally and in season.
Mark Wright, Ballylisk’s chief executive, was understandably delighted to have won
the two prestigious awards. “It’s fantastic and such a tremendous boost from expert
judges for our small cheese business in two of our most important markets.
“Winning these highly influential awards will also strengthen awareness of our unique
cheese across Britain and Ireland among retailers, wholesalers, chefs and
restaurateurs in our most important markets,” adds Mark.
The company, now one of Ireland’s leading cheese producers, recently secured
business with Marks and Spencer on the island of Ireland and expects to be listed by
the high-end retailer in Britain soon.
Ballylisk, which was formed in 2017, also showcased its Triple Rose at the weekend
Artisan Cheese Fair, the largest of its type in the UK..

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.