Still Waters in Northern Ireland in new growth strategy

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Still Waters, a leading supplier of sustainable fish and shellfish to top restaurants in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and other parts of Europe, is gearing up to accelerate the growth of its retail business in particular. The company is a Food NI member.

The family owned and managed business, which is based at Portavogie in county Down, is developing branded retail packs in a new strategy to grow sales, exports and its product range of fresh ‘boat to table’ fish and seafood from the Irish Sea.

Paul Carson of Still Waters says: “We’ve built to a tremendous reputation as a supplier of fresh and sustainably fished shellfish including scallops and langoustines especially with high-end restaurants.

“Our aim is to grow this existing business and to use our expertise in producing these and other products for retail. It’s a development which makes sound business sense for us.

“We source much of our fish and shellfish, especially scallops and langoustines, from our own trawlers which ensures total traceability and transparency that’s based on our heritage in fishing stretching back over 75 years.

“Fishing is in our family and we take pride in our legacy offering our customers a unique service that can only be achieved through passion and true heritage

“Our product is shipped daily from our day boats to the local market, and within hours is with our customers including, retail outlets, restaurants and hotels throughout Northern Ireland and beyond,” he adds.

Mr Carson brings his own knowledge and experience as a fisherman to the thriving and quality focused business. In addition to its fishing activities, Still Waters has its own processing operation alongside the small harbour in Portavogie.

The company’s langoustine tails are additive and preservative free, a completely natural product.

The scallops are landed fresh daily and processed by skilled cutters.  The scallops are also 100 percent natural with no additives or preservatives.

In addition, Still Waters smokes a wide range of fresh fish. “Freshly delivered white fish are filleted by hand to allow us to carefully monitor every single fish that passes through our smokehouse.

“The whole process is conducted quickly and hygienically and under strict control in order to retain the fishes fine taste, freshness and natural colour.  Our fish is smoked in an aromatic smoke from a slow burning fire of natural oak shavings giving our fish a delicate colour and a mouth-watering taste,” adds Mr Carson.

Mash Direct Win Major UK Award

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It has been an unstoppable year so far for Comber’s family-run farm, Mash Direct. The company already has over 152 accolades to their name and last night were named The UK’s Number 1 Branded Supplier in Fruit, Veg & Salads by The Grocer, the leading publication in the supermarket industry in the UK.

This award recognises and celebrates outstanding performance and standards in grocery retail throughout the UK and is a testament to the continued commitment and high levels of service executed by Mash Direct.

The Grocer awarded Mash Direct this title after polling buyers from supermarkets, wholesalers and buying groups, asking them to nominate, across 19 categories, the suppliers that they rate as best performing against a number of criteria, including quality of product, NPD, reliability of supply and category management. It is a great honour for Mash Direct to receive this highly acclaimed award and add to the growing success in 2018.

Director Jack Hamilton said “This award recognises the hard work the whole team put in year after year to continually innovate and drive the company forward and gives everyone on the farm great encouragement to continue their success across the UK.”

“Having only started out fourteen years ago as a small farm diversification supplying to local stores in Killyleagh and Killinchy we are astonished to be voted as The UK’s Number 1 Branded Supplier in Fruit, Veg & Salads. We are so proud of our local area and the award winning vegetables that we grow on our farm. It is great that we get to share these with the rest of the UK and further afield and we are extremely proud of the recognition.”

 

Taste the Greatness at this year’s Balmoral Show

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At the heart of Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, is farming and fantastic award winning locally-produced food. Every year the event showcases the very best of the region’s quality food and this year is no exception. The NI Food Pavilion is making a return to the Show over the 16th to 19th May, and exciting plans have been unveiled. Michele Shirlow from Food NI announced, “The NI Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show 2018 will be the most exciting yet! We are delighted with the wide variety of  high quality local food and drink producers represented over the four days. We are incredibly passionate and proud of the exceptional taste of our local offering and as always our presence at the annual Balmoral Show allows us to celebrate the very best produce and encourage visitors to enjoy it. Top food writers and buyers from UK visit the pavilion to scout for talent and this year we have some exciting news about seafood exports, we are also working with the Britain is Great campaign to highlight what an excellent food and drink region we are.”

Talking about the exciting developments for this year, Michele continued, “There will be education about the virtues of kitchen waste and recycling and how it ultimately it benefits the farming industry.  Tesco NI are proudly supporting the Theatre Kitchen in the Pavilion this year. With a jam-packed timetable of chef cookery demos, food and drink tastings, exciting new activities, the annual steak competition and Young Farmers takeover – it’s a must-visit attraction at the Show this year.”

An exciting new feature in the Pavilion this year is The Food Heartland Tasting Theatre, supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Showcasing the high quality food and drink from the area, this home-grown Tasting Theatre will celebrate produce, producers, chefs and foodies from across the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland. Alderman Gareth Wilson, Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough said, “There is something for everyone at the Food Heartland Tasting Theatre, with a full schedule of events and plenty of opportunity to try local tasty treats over the four days, make it a must-see during your visit to the Show!”

Loughry College Students are also hosting a children’s area called ‘Grown Here or Flown Here?’ to educate young people on local produce. Make sure you visit the NI Food Pavilion at this year’s Show to experience the very best of Northern Ireland local produce.

#TasteTheGreatness

Photo Caption: Rhonda Geary RUAS, Lindsay Curran Food NI with Jacqueline Scullion and Lewis Cunningham from Wilson’s Country Potatoes

2018 NI Food Pavilion List of Exhibitors:

Harnett’s Oils, Kitchen Bakes, Weir’s Organic Farm, Meadow Farm Quality Foods, Graham’s Bakery, Long Meadow Cider, Quails Fine Foods, Burren Balsamics, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Armagh Food and Cider Festival, Armagh Cider Company, Holmes Bakery, Seafish NI, Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Dundarave and Cherryvalley, KARRO Food Group Cookstown, P. McCann and Son, Natural World Products Limited, Food NI Limited, Mullins, SD Bell & Co, Grown Here or Flown Here? Children’s Area, Pheasant’s Hill Farm Kitchen, Dale Farm, Moy Park, Morelli Ice Cream Ltd, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, Tasty Wee Numbers, Broughgammon Farm, Cloud Corn and Pinkfinch Fruit Crisps, Neary Nogs Stoneground Chocolate, Papas Mineral Co., Rooney Fish, Tayto, Sea – Source, The Krazi Baker, Milgro, Kennedy Bacon, Draynes Farm, Naturo Pet Foods, Heavenly Tasty Organics, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, Castlescreen Farm, Mid and East Antrim Food and Drink Network, Clearer Water, Linda’s Originals, Wee Mallows, Tom and Ollie, Jenny Bristow Cooking Demonstration, Hillstown Farm, Granny Shaws Fudge, Flossy Treats, From Granny’s Pantry, Genesis Crafty, Tesco NI, Ballylagan Organic Farm, Ke Nako Biltong, The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, Past Tense Treats by Deli Lites, Linwoods Health Foods, Corndale Farm, Lecale Harvest, White’s Oats, Wilson’s Country, Avondale Foods Country Kitchen, Cavanagh Free Range Eggs Ltd., Ballylisk of Armagh, Erin Grove Preserves, Sydney B Scott & Sons, Ulster Grocer, Mange Tout Artisan Foods, Noisy Snacks Limited, Peppup, Springmount Farm, Irish Black Butter, Totally Hot NI Ltd., Riverlodge Farm Artisan

2018 Food Heartland Tasting Theatre Timetable:

Wednesday 16th May (Compere Paula McIntyre)

10am:       The Krazi Baker Mark Douglas showcasing Traditional Griddle Breads

11.30am:  Simon Dougan from The Yellow Door with Ballylisk of Armagh

1pm:         Simon Dougan from The Yellow Door with Burren Balsamics

2pm:         Gary Scott, Head Chef at Linen Hill, showcasing steak, and pork & apple burgers from Hannan Meats along with Irish Black Butter

3.15pm:    Nose to Tail Cooking with Head Chef Fernando Correa from Quails at the Gallery

Thursday 17th May: (Compere Barbara Collins)

10.30am:  Mervyn Steenson, Head Chef Grouchos on the Square, showcasing Grouchos Apple Butter, Lough Neagh  Pollan (PDO) with Andrew O’Chatten from O’Chatten Smokery

11.45am:   Head Chef Dean Coppard from Molly’s Mill in Lawrencetown with Long Meadow Cider with Donna Fox Tours, including information on Orchard and Cider Tours

1pm:          ‘Afternoon Treats’ with Holmes Bakery and Armagh Cider Company

2pm:          ‘The Heartlands BLT ‘ with Southern Regional College Chef Lecturer Barry Smyth and Professional Cookery Students

3.15pm:     Celebration Cakes with Tim Graham from Graham’s Bakery

Friday 18th May: (Compere Barbara Collins)

10.30am:   Country Kitchen, Fresh Apple and Cinnamon Porridge

11.30am:    Moy Park’s Twist on Tradition with Aaron Dixon, Head of Culinary at Moy Park

1pm:           Joyce Brownless from Blackwell House, showcasing the PGI Armagh Bramley Apple in 5 ways

2.15pm:     Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster President James Speers, with County Armagh Club Members

3.30pm:    The PGI Armagh Bramley Apple with Joyce Brownless from Blackwell House, and Hamilton Loney

Saturday 19th May: (Compere Brian McDermott)

10.30am:  Jill Managh from The Bawn Pantry showcasing Dunlarg Dexter Burgers and Pinkertons BBQ Pulled Pork with Nigel McIlrath

12noon:     A ‘Royal Wedding’ Afternoon Tea with Fiona Chapman from The Red Bus Company

1pm:          Chef Eamonn Long from Wilson’s Country showcasing Maris Piper oven roast potato chips

2pm:         A Food Heartland Gastronomy Tour with Head Chef John Whyte from Armagh City Hotel and Harnett’s Oils

3.15pm:    TAYTO Competition Draw!

 

2018 TESCO Theatre Kitchen

Wednesday 16th May (Compere Barbara Collins)

10.30am:   Power up your morning with White’s Oats

12noon:      How to make a winning pesto with Gerard Sands, Millbrook Lodge Hotel

1.30pm:      Catch of the Day with Roy Abraham from The Smugglers Table and Keenans Seafood

2.30pm:     Students from South East Regional College bake Tasty Treats using Dale Farm

3.30pm:      Students from South East Regional College bake Tasty Treats using Dale Farm

Thursday 17th May (Compere Paula McIntyre)

10.30am:     Traditional Irish Breads with local celebrity chef Paula McIntyre

12.30pm:     Northern Ireland Fine Food with Wine and Brine

1.30pm:       Best in NI Steak Competition

3.30pm:       The Holestone, Sugar Cured Pork and Bramley Apple Fritters

4.30pm:       The Stillhouse of Moira with Ruby Blue Spirits

5.30pm:        The Beerveloution with Hillstown Brewery

Friday 18th May (Compere Brian McDermott)

10.30am:       ‘All Things Breakfast’ with La Mon Hotel and Brian McDermott

12noon:          Vegetarian Tapas with newly opened Buba Belfast

1pm:                ‘Come Dine’ with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster

3.30pm:          From Branch to Bottle with Armagh Cider Company

5pm:                The secret behind Scotch Eggs, with The Salty Dog

Saturday 19th May (Compere Paula McIntyre)

10am:               Taste the Greatness of NI Breakfast with Paula McIntyre

11.30am:          ‘It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!’ with Shortcross Gin

1pm:                 Mash Direct – from Field to Fork

2pm:                ‘Come Dine’ with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster

3.30pm:          Afternoon Tea with Titanic Hotel and Shortcross Gin

 

The NI Food Pavilion is supported by the NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAMME

Irish Black Butter lands at International Airport

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Travellers at Belfast International Airport, Northern Ireland’s main global transport hub, are now able to experience a ‘New Taste of Ireland’.

The airport, used by upwards of six million international passengers annually, has just listed the unique Irish Black Butter conserve developed local entrepreneur Alastair Bell and first launched last November. Irish Black Butter is a Food NI member.

Irish Black Butter is a distinctively rich blend of Armagh Bramley apples, one of four Northern Ireland products to have EU protected status, along with Armagh cider, treacle, a touch of brandy and spices.

The sweet/savoury conserve has been listed by Aelia, the international retailer, which operates the Duty Free Shop in the Departures Zone at the airport.

The conserve, marketed as ‘a new taste of Ireland’ by Mr Bell, is now on sale in the special Taste of Ulster shop at the airport.

Mr Bell, who developed the original Irish Black Butter recipe with the help of award-winning chef Paul Clarke, says: “Being listed in Departures at such a busy international airport is a tremendous boost for my business and so soon after launching it.

“Reaching out to tourists and other visitors to Northern Ireland is a key element in my business strategy.”

“Available in a 225g jar, Irish Black Butter makes a perfect take home treat for travellers or a gift for family and friends from Northern Ireland. I’ve also developed a leaflet with suggested recipes illustrating how best to use the spread. It’s great with cheese, for glazing meats especially pork, as a topping for ice cream and with porridge and toast at breakfast,” adds Mr Bell.

The conserve is now on sale in delis and farm shops in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, where cheese specialist Sheridan’s is distributing the product. It has also attracted the interest of a major retailer in Great Britain.

Picture Alastair Bell launching his Irish Black Butter at Belfast International Airport

‘Flavours of the World’ at Comber Farmers’ Market

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Comber Farmers’ Market will showcase international flavours from around the world created by local producers on Thursday 3 May, St Mary’s Parish Church, Comber, 9.00am – 1.00pm.

 Joining the market this month will be Chef Jasper Castell on the Big Green Eggs to demonstrate just how to cook add an international twist to the ingredients available at the market, and he will be joined by students from SERC, also demonstrating how to use local produce to create global culinary masterpieces.

 At the award winning market you will find all these tasty global treats locally made.  Hills Mixtape Ice Coffee is made with Irish milk and ethically sourced Indonesian coffee beans, La Dolce Via fresh pasta and sauces are cooked by an Italian who has made his home on the North Coast, Amberline Preserves will have Polish sauerkraut and Korean Kimchi produced with fruit and veg from local fields.  Mange Tout will sell their  delectable French patisserie made from local ingredients, Indie Fude have a variety of Irish cheeses that are internationally influenced, Tom and Ollie bring a mix of Mediterranean tapas and Greek olives  and Doh Naughty has savoury donuts influenced by flavours of the world.

 Traders at the market will have the very finest array of meats, fruit and vegetables, jams and chutneys, home baked goods and breads, cheeses, speciality teas, sauces and syrups, seasonal plants, chocolate, free range eggs, granola, raw Jersey milk and more – all produced in Northern Ireland.

 Alderman Deborah Girvan who helps to run the market on behalf of Comber Regeneration Community Partnership is thrilled that the market continues to grow in popularity with more and more visitors attending every month.

“Comber is indeed the ‘Home of Great Taste’ and is establishing a reputation for being a top foodie destination.  The market provides a platform for local producers to showcase the very best local produce, some of which includes flavours from around the world.  We want to show visitors to Comber Farmers’ Market on Thursday 3 May that a fusion of local and global can create dishes that will tantalise the taste buds.”

 Comber Farmers’ Market is held on the first Thursday of every month in the car park at St Marys Church in Comber Square from 9am to 1.00pm.  Car parking can be found at Parkway on Killinchy Street or in 1st Comber Presbyterian car park on High Street.

Tempted Elderflower Wins Gold at CiderWorld 2018

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Craft cider brand Tempted Cider has won a Gold Medal at the world-renowned CiderWorld Fair held in Frankfurt, Germany, last week.  Tempted Elderflower won Gold in the Flavoured Cider category and was praised highly by category judge and Ciderexplorer blogger, Natalia, who said: “Its beautiful aroma literally pours out of a glass.”

With 95 exhibitors from 16 countries, the international fair is a key event for the industry as well as consumers and the awards are one of the most respected in the cider industry.

Commenting on the win, founder of Tempted Cider, Davy Uprichard said: “Craft cider-making is a promising, passionate industry. To have our Elderflower cider recognised by international experts is a huge accolade and helps with our expansion into international markets with our flavoured ciders, which is looking very promising indeed.”

“Each Tempted Cider style has its own distinct blend and flavour, but each begins with provenance. In Tempted’s case, the beginning of our cider is the Orchard County of Armagh, in Northern Ireland. It’s vital that we continue to deliver the quality and taste that Tempted Cider drinkers now know and love so every care is taken to select only the finest hand-picked apples – only the best apples get to be in a bottle of Tempted. Our medium sweet Elderflower cider is very light and fruity with distinctive tones of elderflower. Not overpowering, the elderflower matches beautifully with a light blend of apple juice to create this justifiably award-winning cider.”

Inspired by founder Davy Uprichard’s childhood memories making wine as a hobby with his father, Tempted Cider was established in 2009. Davy, a horticulturist by trade, set up a small cidery at the family home and began pressing apples. This humble hobby kick-started a mission to make the world’s most-loved and enjoyed craft cider and now, Tempted Cider is the most-awarded cider in Ireland with five styles in its full range and Davy’s passion for celebrating and sharing local apples poured into every, single drop.

Tempted Cider’s award-winning range is available in all good licensed retailers and select licensed venues across Northern Ireland and is expanding into the UK and internationally.

For more information visit temptedcider.com. To share in the conversation, visit @TemptedCider on social media