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

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted to announce that Wake the Giant will return to Warrenpoint this 28th and 29th June. This unique vibrant festival celebrates the town’s unique heritage and legends, and offers visitors a weekend a full array of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances, to Giants food feast and children’s activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This event is free for the public to attend.

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

Applications will open on Friday 4th April, and close on Friday 18th April. Application outcomes will be communicated W/C 28th April.

Please find a link to apply here: https://forms.gle/eDAjcCXogohKjFe69

Any questions please contact andrea@nigoodfood.com

The distiller’s of Shortcross Irish Whiskey & Gin have revealed the latest expression of Shortcross Irish
Whiskey. The new Irish Whiskey was distilled, matured and bottled at Rademon Estate Distillery, which
was founded by husband and wife team David & Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, and where the first new distillery
in Northern Ireland in over 100 year’s to release their own whiskey.
The new expression is the Shortcross 5 year old Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey, which has just won
Gold in the Peated Whiskey category at the 2024 year Irish Whiskey Awards.. Rademon are the first
distillery in Northern Ireland to produce peated Irish whiskey in over two generations,
Director of Distilling & Blending David Boyd-Armstrong describes the new release “This new
Shortcross Peated Single Malt is the first of a range of new core expressions. This whiskey showcases
how we use our peated single malt whiskey to create layers of flavours and sweet smoke to craft and
excpetion malt whiskey.”
The new Shortcross Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey has tasting notes of :

The nose opens with desiccated coconut with toffee notes, light smoke lies behind. Overtime fresher notes
of apple blossom appear. On the palate honeyed malt leads, green orchard fruits come through as sweet
peat makes an appearance. The finish is rich and oily as the orchard fruits remain on a long enticing finish.
This new core expression is bottled at 70cl / 46%abv.
Managing Director Fiona Boyd-Armstrong adds “Peated Irish Whiskey is at the core of what we do
here at Rademon, and too see this new expression win Gold with an Irish whiskey that has been
distilled by our own hands at the Irish Whiskey Awards is true testament to effort, skill and patience
of our team to craft this fabulous Irish Whiskey”.

Shortcross Irish Whiskey available in the following markets:
Northern Ireland – JN Wine (jnwine.com)
Republic of Ireland – Celtic Whiskey Shop (celticwhiskeyshop.com)
For more information contact hello@shortcrossgin.com  
For the latest news check out the companies website www.shortcrosswhiskey.com follow their social
media on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SHORTCROSSGIN/) Instagram (@shortcrosswhiskey)
and Twitter / X (@shortcrossgin).

One of Northern Ireland’s largest free farming awareness events, Open Farm Weekend,
launches today, once again highlighting the local farm to fork journey.
Organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with Bank of Ireland back as title sponsor, this
eagerly awaited initiative will see 20 working farms open their gates to school children and
the public. Alongside showcasing food production, the event will also spotlight key topics
such as nutrition, farming heritage, and the essential role farmers play in daily life.
Set to take place over Father’s Day weekend, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, Bank of
Ireland Open Farm Weekend is expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors eager to experience
farm life firsthand through a packed programme of interactive and educational activities.
Speaking at the launch on Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, a farm that has been
involved in the initiative since its inception in 2012, Diane McCall, Senior Business Manager,
Bank of Ireland UK emphasised the significance of the agri-food industry:
“A thriving and sustainable agri-food industry is vital for communities within Northern Ireland.
We’re proud to once again be the title sponsor for Open Farm Weekend and to be
celebrating the important contribution the agri-food sector makes to our society and
economy.
“Our local farms are working hard to address some of the biggest societal challenges, from
sustainability to farm safety, all while delivering the highest standards of produce. Bank of
Ireland Open Farm Weekend gives consumers the chance to step behind the gate to get to
know local farming families and see first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into
every local farm fresh product.”
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend invites visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on
activities and connect with the farming community. The initiative aims to bridge the urban-
rural divide by offering an authentic look at food production and farm life, fostering greater
understanding and appreciation of the agricultural sector.
With farms participating across a range of counties, attendees will have the opportunity to
explore the realities of modern farming.
John McLenaghan, Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Chairman of Bank of
Ireland Open Farm Weekend, highlighted the diversity of experiences on offer: “This year’s
event features 20 farms, each showcasing different aspects of agriculture. Visitors will be
able to immerse themselves in Northern Ireland’s rich farming heritage, gain insight into food
production, and meet the hardworking farmers who dedicate 365 days a year to putting
fresh, local produce on our tables.”

Farms taking part in Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend will welcome schools on Friday,
with public days on Saturday and Sunday. Participating farms that are open to the public
over Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June are (this list is subject to change).
Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, Portadown | Ballylagan Organic Farm, Straid |
Bessvale Farm, Upper Ballinderry | Brook Hall and Gardens, Derry~Londonderry |
Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle | Bullsbrook Farm, Dromore | Craighall Farm, Antrim |
CAFRE Enniskillen Campus | CAFRE Greenmount Campus, Antrim | Carmean Aberdeen
Angus, Magherafelt | Glebe Farm, Limavady | Glenside Farm, Comber | Jubilee Farm, Larne
| Slievenaman Goat Trail & Petting Farm, Newcastle | Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal
Farm & Gardens, Lurgan |
For the latest list of participating farms and event updates, visit www.openfarmweekend.com