Tasty summer special from Copeland Gin

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Food NI member Copeland Spirits has introduced a limited-edition ‘Strawberry and Basil’ flavoured gin, inspired by the fresh and sweet flavours.

Copeland specialises in fruit-infused gins and has recently secured its first significant business in the Republic of Ireland, where it is now supplying German discounter Aldi.

The strawberry and basil flavoured gin is romantic blush in colour, but despite its soft appearance boasts an impressive 37.8% volume. With all the finesse of a premium, artisan gin along with the nostalgic but familiar taste of the great outdoors, this new addition to the range will entice both gin-lovers and those new to the category this summer.

A careful harmony of local ingredients, strawberry and basil summer gin is flavoured exclusively with the freshest, ripest fruits and herbs, rather than syrups. On the nose this quality is immediately evident as peppery, subtly-sweet notes start the experience. To taste, fresh notes of basil provide an unexpected but welcomed aromatic experience later softened by the ever-adored sweetness of strawberry. Lingering notes of berry, paired with the crispness of the gin itself provides a satisfying finish. For an added blast of summer, pair this gin with an Elderflower tonic.

The ‘Strawberry and Basil Summer Gin’ is just the latest flavour conjured up by the novel brand since it launched the permanent flavours in its range, ‘Rhuberry’ and ‘Raspberry and Mint’. Whilst the flavours continue to surprise and excite, the brand’s noble purpose of showcasing local farms and celebrating NI produce remains unchanged.

Founder of Copeland Spirits, Gareth Irvine says: “Gin continues to be the most-popular spirit category and as a result the market is saturated. Our aim in response is to provide the consumer with gin experiences that surprise and excite. Our latest flavoured gin, the limited edition strawberry and basil is our most-unexpected yet. We’re incredibly proud of the finished product and another collaboration with Finlay’s Farm, near Kiiilichy in county Down. This flavour showcases Northern Ireland s ever-celebrated strawberry whilst giving local basil its deserved platform too.

“We wanted to create an authentic taste of summer that consumers across Northern Ireland would recognise. We also wanted to create a gin for summer’s drinking occasions such as BBQs, picnics or garden parties. With a simple splash of elderflower tonic, this gin is ready for pairing with summer foods like grilled meats, antipasti and Mediterranean salads.”

Finlay Orr, owner of Finlay’s Farm, adds: “This summer-inspired strawberry and basil gin is the most-impressive and rewarding combination yet. Whilst strawberries can be grown in glasshouses throughout the year, nothing beats the taste and quality of strawberries grown in their natural season. Similarly, basil thrives on sunlight and sadly can only be grown outdoors in summer as it wouldn’t survive winter’s frost. Copeland Spirits tapped into these two very authentic summer ingredients and as a result needed nothing else to bring the flavour of summer to life, a testament to the creativity of the team at Copeland Spirits and Northern Ireland produce and technique.”

Just 2,000 bottles of Copeland Spirits’ ‘Strawberry and Basil Summer Gin’ will be available across Northern Ireland from 8 June for a limited time, joining the brand’s two permanent lines, ‘Rhuberry’ and ‘Raspberry and Mint’ on-shelf in-store and in bars and restaurants. Each bottle is priced at £32 (RRP).

 

New retail packs from Tom & Ollie

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Food NI member Tom & Ollie, the leading artisan pastes, tapenades, dips, pesto, hummus, roasted tomatoes and olives, has launched a new range of retail products.

Based near Ballymena in county Antrim, Tom & Ollie is one of the most successful producers of artisan fresh foods at markets across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The new 15-strong retail range is based on the company’s most popular offerings at markets and represents an important diversification for the business which has SALSA accreditation.

Tom & Ollie, which takes its name from its success in marketing tomatoes and olives, develops around 70 lines at its modern production operation in county Antrim. These include seasonal products such as wild Irish garlic pesto harvested near the plant, which also includes a deli with other local foods especially Irish cheese and charcuterie.
The new range is available in a range of pack sizes between 180g and 230g in tubs within an attractive sleeve.
Tom & Ollie’s Tracey O’Boyle, explaining the decision to develop the new retail range, says: “It’s a diversification we’ve been planning for several months and has been influenced by requests from shoppers at markets about where they can continue to buy our range of fresh products.

“We’ve been providing packs for shoppers at markets since the company started, and so it made business sense to review our packaging, develop the attractively designed sleeve and to make these widely available to delis and other independent stores in Northern Ireland and then in the Republic of Ireland.

“We’ve also launched a major marketing drive to support the new development that will make it easier for more people to enjoy our wide range of fresh products,” she adds.

The company is also among the longest established traders at the iconic St George’s food market near Belfast city centre.

It was established in 2014 by experienced food professionals Shay Mullan, Hugh Cushnan and Fergal McGrainne.
“The business is creating delicious products here in Northern Ireland from Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ingredients. Using these to create innovative flavours is what we enjoy most. We use only the very best ingredients in developing deliciously different and flavour packed products,” Tracey O’Boyle continues.

Tom & Ollie also runs a successful catering business for parties, weddings, and other events, offering savoury dishes. They’ve even created a unique multi-tiered cheesecake instead of the traditional cake for a local wedding.

The growing popularity of their original and tasty products is encouraging them to invest in the business. An on-line delivery service has been launched and gourmet food hampers introduced.

The delivery service has over 300 products available for next day delivery in Ireland. There will be an unrivalled selection of the best of Irish and European foods, from olives and cheese to honey and, of course, hummus.

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Shay Mullan and Tracey O’Boyle of Tom & Ollie with some of the new retail packs

The Salmon & Whiskey Festival

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9 Jun 2018 – 10 Jun 2018

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival was started to celebrate the local culture, heritage and produce. It is a two day event showcasing music, food, the arts and delivering a unique experience for everyone. The name came from the world renowned Bushmills Distillery and the salmon which inhabit the River Bush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hillsborough Farmers Market

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Dark Walk Lane at Hillsborough Fort

Hillsborough

Co Down

BT26 6AE

When:

Saturday 30th June, 10am-3pm

Saturday 28th July, 10am-3pm

Time: 10am-3pm

Entry is free

Parking: Hillsborough Forest Car Park or Ballynahinch Street Pay & Display

 

The popular Hillsborough Farmers’ Market returns for another summer series of farmers’ markets in the historic and picturesque village of Hillsborough. Set against the tree-lined Dark Walk Lane which leads to Hillsborough Fort, this makes for a lovely day out.

The market will be filled with over 30 stalls of the finest artisan food from across Northern Ireland for you to discover and try.

We can promise you an hour or two of chilled weekend vibes and lots of friendly banter! Expect to find fresh, local and seasonal food, from speciality meat, fruit and vegetables, bread, cakes, artisan cheeses, jam, chutney, olives, pesto and tapenades, charcuterie, oysters and smoked salmon, to plants and flowers, coffee, chocolate, ice cream, street food and more besides, including a small horticultural, natural skincare and artisan crafts selection.

So, come along to experience and discover the diverse range of artisan foods being produced from across Northern Ireland – many of them critic acclaimed and multi-award winning, such as Ispini Charcuterie, Harnett’s Oils, Ke Nako Biltong, Ballyriff Buffalo, Cavanagh Free Range Eggs and Deli Muru.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information and updates, please visit

https://www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enjoylisburn/

Twitter: @VisitLisburn   Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh

 

New apple butter created by top Northern Irish chef

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Armagh Apple Butter has been developed by a leading chef in a popular Olde World bar in Northern Ireland.

Mervyn Steenson, head chef at Food NI member Groucho’s on the Square in Richhill, county Armagh, created the new apple butter with support from the Armagh Cider Company, Northern Ireland’s leading processor of cider, cider vinegar and apple and other juices.

Mr Steenson, head chef at the bar for 12 years, commenting on the new butter spread, says: “The idea came from Peter Lyness, the bar’s owner, on his return from a US trip. Peter saw and enjoyed apple butter there and suggested that we should use Armagh’s reputation in growing apples and producing cider to create our own version.”

“I did some basic desk research and discovered that there are also apple butters in other parts of the world including Germany and the Netherlands. It made sense to me to develop a distinctive Armagh apple product.”

“I then approached Helen Troughton at Armagh Cider Company for advice and help in developing a recipe for the butter. I used traditional Armagh Bramley apples in the development of a distinctive recipe that isn’t overly sweet and with just the right amount of acidity. I then tested it on friends and family. Feedback was extremely positive and encouraged me to start making the butter they had enjoyed in small batches,” he adds.

He named the new Armagh Apple Butter after Groucho’s in Richhill and is producing it in small batches in 225g jars at £4. In addition to Armagh Bramley apples, which have EU protected accreditation, the butter includes cider vinegar, sourced from Apple Cider Company along with the apples, spices, sugar and water.

The butter is currently being sold in the bar and has already attracted the attention of tourists in particular. In addition, Armagh Cider Company is selling the original product.

“The apple butter is currently being produced by me in the bar’s kitchen and so it’s essentially a small batch product. As well as customers in the bar, I see the butter as an ideal souvenir and gift product for tourists especially those on the many food tours now visiting producers and bars in the Armagh area.”

“It’s also helping to showcase Groucho’s as well as Armagh Bramley apples. It reflects Groucho’s longstanding commitment to sourcing local food and drink for all our menus. We’ve some marvellous food and drink now being produced in Northern Ireland, products we prefer to use in our dishes and in the bar,” he adds.

 

 

Northern Irish Tempted Cider wins major international award

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Northern Ireland’s Tempted Irish Craft Cider, a FoodNI member company, was a Trophy winner at the prestigious International Cider Challenge 2018.

Tempted’s Dry Cider was chosen by a panel of expert judges for its outstanding taste and quality in the challenge which recognises the “diversity and range of packaged products within this dynamic and growing category”.

Tempted is a small batch producer, based near Lisburn in county Antrim, crafting cider from apples mostly grown at Loughgall in county Armagh, Northern Ireland’s ‘orchard county’. The company was formed in 2009 by husband and wife team David and Janet Uprichard. The dry cider was the first produced in 2009.

Mr Uprichard, commenting on the latest award won by the family business, says: “Another weekend, another award for Tempted Cider! We’re delighted to be awarded an International Cider Challenge Trophy for Tempted Dry and many congratulations to all the winners.”

Davy continued: “Tempted Dry is where our Tempted journey started. Not being able to find a dry cider that I liked, we blended this fruity, fresh and floral cider to suit my own. Tempted Dry delivers a crisp, refreshing taste and with provenance being vitally important to us, every care is taken to select only the finest hand-picked apples from the Orchard County of Armagh, in Northern Ireland.”

Two other cider processors in Northern Ireland, both Food NI members, also featured in the awards. Kilmegan Cider, based at Dundrum in county Down and developed by Andy Boyd, gained two bronze medals for its Real Cider and Irish Farmhouse Cider.

And Long Meadow Cider in Loughgall, county Armagh, another family farm business started by husband and wife Pat and Catherine McKeever and other members gained a bronze medal for its recently launched Rhubarb and Honey cider.

Both processors were formed in 2013 and have won a string of awards including UK Great Taste Awards. Long Meadow is located on the McKeever apple farm.

Ciders entered into the tasting categories were blind tasted by an expert panel of independent judges and assessed according to their taste, appearance and aroma. Medals and trophies were awarded to the best ciders.

Another element to this prestigious competition were the design and packaging awards which recognised the best design within the cider sector. The panel of judges assessed each product against a set design brief and is scored on initial impact, originality, creativity, innovation and relevance to target market.