Burren Balsamics, the award-winning artisanal producer renowned for its innovative infused vinegars, is delighted to announce its participation in Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions. Taking place in Dubai, Gulfood provides the perfect platform for Burren Balsamics to introduce its latest creations, specifically crafted for the Middle Eastern market.

Expanding on its reputation for premium, flavour-infused balsamic vinegars, Burren Balsamics will be unveiling two new exclusive products:

Kashmiri Chilli and Ginger Infused White Balsamic – A vibrant and aromatic infusion that balances the subtle heat of Kashmiri chilli with the warm, zesty notes of ginger, perfect for enhancing marinades, dressings, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Date, Za’atar, and Cinnamon Infused Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – A rich, complex blend combining the deep sweetness of dates, the earthy, herbaceous character of za’atar, and the warming spice of cinnamon, offering a distinctive depth of flavour ideal for both savoury and sweet applications.

“Our focus has always been on innovation and using the finest ingredients to create truly exceptional pantry staples,” said Bob McDonald, Chef Director of Burren Balsamics. “We are excited to bring these new infusions to Gulfood, showcasing how our products can elevate dishes with authentic and contemporary Middle Eastern flavours.”

Burren Balsamics invites buyers, chefs, and food industry professionals to visit their stand at Gulfood 2025 to experience these unique infusions firsthand and explore opportunities for collaboration in the region.

For more information or to arrange a meeting at Gulfood, please visit the Invest Northern Ireland stand.

Yoghurt lovers in Britain are now able to experience the superb quality and rich
creamy flavours from a multi-award-winning farm-based producer in Bangor, Co
Down of the dairy favourite
A FoodNI member, Clandeboye Estate, the only significant yoghurt producer in
Northern Ireland, will soon be on the shelves of delis, farm shops and
independent grocers across Britain from an important deal with a leading food
distribution business.
Cress Company, which is based in Dunfermline, Scotland, last week began
distributing Clandeboye’s full range of Greek-style yoghurts produced using milk
directly from the historic estate’s pedigree dairy herd.
Patrick Black, Clandeboye’s commercial manager, welcoming the deal for
distribution to England, Scotland and Wales, says: “We are thrilled to be
launching in these important markets with the Cress Company in what is an
important breakthrough into one that we’ve been targeting for some time,
especially with our new range of yoghurts which are already proving hugely
successful in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Clandeboye counts all the main supermarkets and convenience stores in
Northern Ireland and hundreds of delis, farm shops, butchers and independent
retailers among its regular customers. In the Republic, the company supplies
supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Marks and Spencer.
“The Greek-style yoghurts are now included in CressCo’s 2025 chilled
catalogue. First orders left last Monday, and we are excited to get going,’ adds
Patrick.
The agreement gives Clandeboye extensive opportunities across the UK with a
respected and successful food distributor which has been voted the Best UK
Distributor for the past eight years by the influential Guild of Fine Food in
London.
“We look forward to working closely with the experienced CressCo team to grow
business throughout Britain,” adds Patrick.
Clandeboye Yoghurt is among Northern Ireland’s most ‘decorated’ companies
in terms of UK Great Taste, Blas na hEireann Irish National Food and Irish
Quality Food awards for its successful natural, Madagascan vanilla and various
flavoured yoghurts.

New products launched in the past year include a vanilla with honey and rich
flavours such as Bramley apple with granola and raspberry with white chocolate
pieces.

Tandragee, Co Amagh couple Andrew and Nicky Jackson of Jackson Roze, a
successful producer of a unique ginger wine, has launched new ginger and
turmeric ‘shots’ as an aide to health.
Nicky, founding director of the family business, describes the small company’s
new ginger and turmeric shot as “a powerhouse of natural wellness, combining
two of the most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients—ginger and turmeric”.
She continues that the innovative drink from Armagh is “designed to support
overall health, digestion, and immunity” and that “this shot is the perfect daily
boost for a balanced and energized lifestyle”.
“Our ginger and turmeric shots are gaining momentum as people are realising
the difference it is making. We have at least 20g of ginger and 17g of turmeric in
our shots. We use a base of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar instead of apple
juice which brings in gut health as well as anti -inflammatory benefits of the
ginger and turmeric,” adds Nicky.
The couple use existing experience gained from the development of the hugely
successful traditional ginger wine that was launched two years ago. The
company is a Food NI member.
“The new drink is based on our ginger compound with a base of apple cider
vinegar and added turmeric. We are, as far as I am aware, the only locally
produced ginger shot producer using apple cider vinegar instead of apple juice
as a base with minimal ginger,” she explains:
Key health benefits from the ginger and turmeric shot, Nicky continues, include
powerful anti-inflammatory support – turmeric contains curcumin, a well-known
compound that helps reduce inflammation, support joint health, and promote
overall well-being; immune-boosting properties – ginger and turmeric are
packed with antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system and protect
against illness; and supports digestion and gut health – ginger aids digestion,
reduces bloating, and relieves nausea, while turmeric promotes a healthy gut
microbiome.
She says the shot, in addition, provides natural detox and liver support –
turmeric and ginger help the body flush out toxins, supporting liver function and
overall detoxification; heart and brain health – curcumin in turmeric is known for
its role in supporting heart health and cognitive function, helping to maintain
overall wellness; Energizes and revitalizes– the natural properties of ginger and

turmeric provide a refreshing, non-caffeinated energy boost to keep users
feeling their best.
The drink is made with “raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar from Armagh
apples”, she explains, that provides “a delicious and natural way to fuel the
body, support health, and to enjoy the benefits of two ancient superfoods”.
Jackson Roze began as another local ‘kitchen table enterprise’ to produce
traditional, non-alcoholic ginger wine based on a recipe from their great
grandparents.
The artisan enterprise successfully revived non-alcoholic ginger wine, one of
the most popular flavours of generations gone by.
A recipe from more than a century ago was harnessed to regenerate traditional
non-alcoholic ginger wine for sale in local delis, farm shops and food markets
such as Saintfield and Balmoral.
Nicky continues: “Our ginger wine is a heritage product that has won multiple
awards which include Great Taste, Great British Food, Blas na h’Eireann and
Irish Quality Food and Drink.
“It is completely allergen-free and homemade in Northern Ireland. Our fourth
generation recipe uses only the highest quality ingredients, as used by health
practitioners. 
“We believe that the use of real ginger, extracted in the old-fashioned way,
makes our ginger wine authentic and unique.
“This gives our products their unique and full flavour. Customers can choose
from our Regular Strength, Extra Strength, Reduced Sugar, with Clove and
Vegan options,” Nicky says.
This non-alcoholic ginger wine is made in the Jackson’s kitchen in Tandragee in
small batches. The Roze comes from the initials of the couple’s two children.
The 100 year-old recipe is soothingly sweet, warm and gluten-free.
Ginger has many reputed health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting
the immune system and circulation and reducing motion sickness. The
Jacksons make their own tincture with ginger and capsicum which goes into this
artisan non-alcoholic ginger wine.
Awards for the ginger wine are impressive and include: Extra Strength – Great
Taste 1 star 2024; Irish Quality Food and Drink – Silver 2023; 2024 Blas – finalist
2023; Great British food – silver 2023; Ginger and Clove Great Taste – 1 star;
2024 Blas – Gold 2024; Great British Food – Bronze 2024; Reduced Sugar Blas

• finalist 2024 Ginger & Elderberry Shot Blas – Silver award 2024 Ginger &
  Turmeric shot; Great British Food finalist 2024 Ginger and rhubarb shot Great
  British Food finalist 2024; Jackson Roze named as Best in County Armagh at
  the Blas awards. Finalist in 2023 for family business of the year at Irish Family

Business Awards; Finalist for Great British Entrepreneurs Awards for Family
Business of the Year 2023. Finalist for Great British Entrepreneur Awards for
Retail Business of the year 2024; and winner of the Women in Business Pitch
competition in 2023.

It’s one of the most anticipated events in the global culinary calendar. The
announcement of the Michelin stars, Bib Gourmands and Green stars each year is
always closely examined. We are delighted that Michael Deane’s mr Deane’s Bar and Social is the SECOND of his establishments to hold a Bib Gourmand. The restaurant is located on the sit
of the former EIPIC Michelin-starred eatery. The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Monday 17 th February, 2025

The award is given to what anonymous inspectors deem excellent, good
value dining. Typically, it spotlights places where diners can enjoy “two courses and
a glass of wine or dessert for under £35. It is already held by Deane’s at Queens,
also owned by Michael Deane.
Other Taste of Ulster members who hold the Bib are Wine and Brine, Waterman
House, James St, Cyprus Avenue, EDO, Roam and No 14 at the Georgian
House
Huge congratulations also to OX and The Muddlers Club, who have held stars for
several years now. No mean feat.
Proof, if it were needed that our food in Northern Ireland is so good!

Over the past five years, White’s Oats has grown its turnover to over £20 million, with significant volume coming from markets outside of Northern Ireland.
With over 30% volume share of the hot cereals market in Northern Ireland, White’s continues to leverage its reputation as best in class to strengthen its presence in international markets.
White’s Oats, will be attending the 30th anniversary of Gulfood, the world’s biggest food and beverage sourcing event, at Dubai World Trade Centre,
2025 marks White’s 15th year attending and exhibiting at Gulfood where it will showcase new product innovations including its new on the go Oaty Bar and High Protein Porridge oats.

Joining over 5,000 exhibitors from more than 129 countries, White’s is one of five companies from Northern Ireland exhibiting at Gulfood- the world’s largest food and beverage trade event and, a flagship event for connecting with global industry leaders and businesses, which takes place from 17-21 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

White’s, Ireland’s largest oat miller and Northern Ireland’s no.1 oat and breakfast cereal producer, has an established track record in international trade, exporting to global markets primarily in the UK, Republic of Ireland and the middle east region. The UK oat market has recorded a CAGR of between 3.5% to 4% in the past three years, a picture reflected in the global oat market which is projecting a 4.6% annual increase through to 20301. As such, these markets continue to be hugely influential for White’s having grown its export sales by 45% over the past five years.

Founded over 183 years ago, and now Ireland’s largest oat miller and principal organic oat miller across the British Isles, White’s specialises in producing porridge oats, oat cereals and oat-based snacks for the retail and foodservice market. White’s attendance at Gulfood will see White’s fly the flag for Irish oats, as it continues to leverage the event as a platform to drive international expansion and support its growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) territories in the next few years.

Speaking ahead of the event, Colin Kiddell, Business Development Spokesperson for the company said ‘’Gulfood is a firm fixture in the diary and has been for over 15 years, signalling our long-term commitment to international trade. The oats market has a strong long-term outlook, bolstered by the positive value of oats in the minds of consumers and we are seeing that resonate globally. Building on the success of our Oaty Bar and ActivOat High Protein porridge range, introduced in 2024, we continue to identify trends and opportunities globally that support our innovation, and we look forward to debuting our new range of consumer focused and insight led NPD to interested buyers at Gulfood.’’

Having secured significant business in recent years developing partnerships with international blue-chip retailers, including Carrefour, Lulu and Monoprix, and investing in its brand to realise global opportunities within the fast-growing oat market, White’s has reinforced its position as a leading producer of oat-based products. Its oats are now available through retailers across UK, Ireland and in selected export markets and have won a string of awards, including UK best cereal product in 2019. Its expansive portfolio includes traditional oats, organic oats, instant oats pots and sachets, toasted oats and granolas as well as its new oaty bar, reflecting a first for the brand into the ambient snack category.

“We continue to put our unrivalled reputation for quality and traceability first, supported by our close grower partnerships. These are qualities that continue to resonate with our partners across Ireland and in our export markets. As we look to the future, we expect to expand our presence further in international markets, with events such as Gulfood providing a crucial platform for deepening our relationships and exploring further market opportunities with key partners,’’ adds Colin.

The company’s participation in Gulfood 2025 is part of its broader strategy to double its turnover over the next five years. This year, White’s will also be attending PLMA Amsterdam in April, seeking to expand its reach within new markets and channels and showcasing its innovative oat products to key industry buyers.

White’s Oats will be at stand S1-A44 from 17-21 February.

Loughgall’s Long Meadow Cider, one of Ireland’s leading and most successful
producers of award-winning ciders, apple juice and apple cider vinegar, has gained
significant business with a top retailer across Ireland.
In addition to a breakthrough deal with Marks and Spencer (M&S), Long Meadow, a
pioneering family business and FoodNi member, has won an award from Ireland’s
CIE Tours as a top visitor attraction in Northern Ireland.
Owned by leading apple farmers and processors Pat and Catherine McKeever and
other member of the family, Long Meadow began supplying still apple juice to all 37
M&S food halls – 21 in Northern Ireland and 16 in the Republic of Ireland last
Wednesday.
Catherine, commenting on the latest listing, says: “We are thrilled to have started
supplying our pure apple juice in 750ml bottles to such an important supermarket
network throughout Ireland. It’s an immensely encouraging listing by one of the UK
and Ireland’s most respected food stores.”
Based on the family orchards in Co Armagh, Long Meadow grows and processes its
own apples for a wide range of award-winning natural products including juices,
ciders and apple cider vinegar for retailers, bars and hotels across Northern Ireland
and parts of the Republic.
The company won major UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards for premium
quality and outstanding taste. It also gained a gold medal in Ireland’s prestigious
Family Business Awards last year
The very progressive producer, in addition, was named Drinks Producer of the Year
2024 in the coveted Good Food Ireland Awards.
The coveted annual award from CIE Tours recognises Long Meadow investment in
tourism from Ireland and further afield. The company organises a regular programme
of tours on the orchards and processing operations to accommodate visitors. This
investment includes the development of the Bramley Barn for visitors to enjoy the
firm’s produce and to learn more about apple processing.
The Bramley Barn has also been the venue for a wide range of events including
shows such a ‘Murder Mystery Nights’.