White’s Oats in Tandragee, a FoodNI member, is in the running for two major
awards on Wednesday in the influential finals of the UK Quality Food Awards, the
longest-running, most prestigious challenge in the nation’s buoyant food industry.
The Armagh oat miller is the only local company featuring in the vent which
celebrates the best quality food products on offer here in the UK. This is a fantastic
opportunity to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners, and network with the
industry’s most influential retailers, producers, wholesalers, distributers and more.
White’s, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, has three products
shortlisted in two individual categories – two in Cereals and Porridge with Berry and
Seed Porridge Oats and Kavanagh’s Porridge Oats Golden Syrup produced by Aldi.
The third product is White’s most recently introduced Oat Bar which is shortlisted in
Snacks.
Danielle McBride, marketing manager of White’s Oats, says “We are absolutely
delighted to be shortlisted in the UK Quality Awards. This represents a major
endorsement of our products in a key marketplace..”
Hosting the event on Wednesday evening in London’s Bankside Hillton will be
distinguished chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt. Tebbutt is a British chef and
television food presenter best known for hosting the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. He has
also presented Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, Drop Down Menu and the Good Food
Channel’s Market Kitchen.
The colourful event provides unrivalled networking opportunities across the industry,
drawing more than 350 senior leaders shaping the UK food industry. In addition, it
provides business growth opportunities with top retailers, manufacturers, suppliers
and influencers.
As well as celebrating excellence in the food industry, the gala evening showcases
the UK’s most innovative food and drink products and the people behind them.
The prestigious UK short listings coincide with the company’s launch of two new
premium ranges made from 100 percent Irish oats: High Protein Oats and Real Fruit
Porridge.
Well known for its multi-award-winning porridge oats, instant oats, and granolas, the
latest innovations underscore White’s continued investment in developing oat-based
products that combine nutritional benefits with taste and flavour.
Suki Aims to Drive Business Growth by Investing in Novel Tea Club
FoodNI member Suki Tea Makers in Lisburn has always been about more than tea.
From the very beginning the artisan tea blenders set out to be different and
innovative in a fiercely competitive global marketplace.
Suki’s strategic focus has long been in doing everything better for its existing and
potential customers, better for the growers it partners with, and better for the planet,
according to Oscar Woolley, founder of the teas blending business with Anne Irwin
back in 2005 in Belfast. For instance, Suki is one of a small group of companies here
to achieve B Corp accreditation for its support of the environment and especially its
success in eliminating plastic from its products.
“That’s why 2025 has been such a milestone year for us,” continues Oscar, who’s
originally from Nottingham. “Not only did we celebrate 20 Years of Suki and
achieve B Corp certification for the strength of our commitment to the environment
and society, we also launched a refreshed brand identity that we felt more accurately
reflected the creativity and passion of our ethos to do better. We unveiled a new look
that’s bolder, brighter, and more creative than before,” he adds.
“Building on the manufacturing improvements brought by our investment in a
purpose-build ‘Tea Factory’ in Lisburn, which opened in 2023, we have simplified our
packaging, removed unnecessary plastics, and committed to fully compostable
packs.
“Despite these changes, the heart of Suki hasn’t changed. We’re still about creativity,
honest flavour, and making decisions that make us (and hopefully customers) smile.
It’s all for the love of tea, and we’re dedicated to moving meaningfully forward,
always looking for new ways to share joy and discovery in every cuppa,” he
continues.
Oscar decided to move to Belfast after falling in love with the city during a
backpacking trip from England. He also met his future wife, Samantha, in the city
and subsequently married at a traditional ceremony in Japan.
This latest stage in Suki’s remarkably successful journey, which has included
exporting to Europe and even as far as Japan, is a development which excites him.
“Now, we’re excited to announce something that encapsulates that spirit of Suki ‘to a
T’ (no pun intended!) – the Suki Tea Club. Tea has always been about discovery.
Whether it’s the first time you try a comforting Belfast Breakfast Brew blend, or the
thrill of finding a whole new blend you never expected to love, there’s magic in that
moment of connection,” he says.
He explains that the new Tea Club subscription is “designed to capture that feeling
and encourage even more moments of connection”. “Each box will come with four
different teas, enough for a cup every day of the month. It will be delivered straight to
letterboxes of subscribers everywhere.”
Sometimes, he explains, it could be a familiar favourite like Suki’s signature and
multi-award-winning Belfast Brew or punchy Red Berry. “Sometimes it will surprise –
but it will always be delicious, sustainable, and distinctly Suki,” he says.
Each box will come with a video from Oscar, guiding you through the tasting
notes, origins, and inspiration behind each blend. Members of the Tea Club will also
get access to exclusive discounts and surprises throughout the year!
“We’ve travelled to the far flung reaches of the tea growing world to bring customers
a selection that is carefully curated to encourage exploration, experience, and
enjoyment.
“At Suki, we take pride in sourcing the finest tea leaves and botanicals from across
the globe. With our meticulous attention to detail, each cup of tea delivers full flavour
and aroma, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.
“Our unwavering commitment to Fair Trade sourcing ensures that tea farmers
receive fair wages while safeguarding the environment. Customers can Indulge in
the best tea with a clear conscience! “
With options for a one-off box, and monthly or annual subscriptions, the new club is
“perfect for those looking to treat themselves to a new adventure: Tea isn’t just a
drink, it’s a journey. From our partner growers across the world to the cups of
customers and subscribers, the Tea Club is about inviting people along on that
journey, giving them a chance to try something new, rediscover old favourites, and
connect with the stories behind each blend. It’s about making exploration easy, fun,
and sustainable.”
“We’ve always said that: “if it makes us smile, we’ll back it.” That’s how Suki started –
at a wobbly table top in St. George’s Victorian Market in Belfast city in 2005, and it’s
still how we make decisions about our teas and products today.
“The Suki Tea Club is one of those ideas that made us smile from the very
beginning, and we can’t wait to keep sharing this journey with customers – one
bright, bold, flavourful cuppa at a time.”
Oscar has recently returned from a lengthy trip to meet suppliers and customers in
Japan, where it has been supplying tea shops over many years.
The innovation-led business also recently relaunched a classic flavour for the festive
season – fruity Mince Pies that are captured in “a delicious blend that’s spicy, figgy
and fruit-filled”.
Classic British Sausage Crafted in Co Down is a Tasty Award-Winner
One of Britain’s most popular sausages is crafted in Co Down by Finnebrogue,
among the most innovative and successful food producers in the UK.
Based around Downpatrick, Finnebrogue, a Food NI member and now a major
supplier of sausages and other meat products to virtually all the leading
supermarkets, was named ‘Best in Britain’ for its tasty Cumberlands for ASDA during
the annual British Sausage Week.
Cumberland sausage is a pork sausage that originated in the historic county of
Cumberland, England, ceremonially part of Cumbria. It is traditionally very long, up to
50 centimetres, and sold rolled in a flat, circular coil, but within western Cumbria, it is
more often served on long, curved lengths. Finnebrogue’s award-winning
Cumberlands were sold in six packs for convenience by ASDA.
The awards, organised by the industry’s Meat Management magazine, were
presented at a special celebration luncheon attended by butchers, retailers,
supermarkets, manufacturers and foodservice, all involved in the annual competition
or simply wishing to be part of the event.
Best known for its highly innovative and award-winning nitrite-free Naked bacon and
ham products, Finnebrogue, in addition, has been shortlisted for a major title in the
annual `UK Meat Management Excellence Awards. Other local producers in the
awards are Dunbia (UK), Dungannon and Crust and Crumb Bakery in Fermanagh.
Sausages, of course, are a much-loved staple food, enjoyed by millions and vital to
the UK meat industry. UK Sausage Week – the biggest annual event celebrating one
of Britain’s most-loved foods – shines a spotlight on producers and retailers across
the country, boosting awareness and sales during the key autumn period.
Finnebrogue has been crafting ‘Exceptional’ ASDA sausages for many years —
“combining passion, innovation, and dedication to quality in every bite”.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be awarded Best Cumberland Sausage during UK
Sausage Week 2025. The Cumberland is a true British classic, loved by households
up and down the country, so to have our recipe recognised as the best is absolutely
fantastic,” says Finnebogue’s John Cowen.
Thana’s Noodles from Coleraine Proving Popular in Eastern Europe
Coleraine-based Whoosh, a FoodNI member and a specialist in instant noodle pots
and other Asian foods, has taken its first step into international markets with the
successful delivery of its products to a fine foods distributor in Eastern Europe.
The first shipment of instant noodles has been delivered and a second order has
already been confirmed for dispatch before Christmas̶, signalling strong early
demand and growing global interest in the Northern Ireland artisan brand that’s well
established here.
The breakthrough deal in Eastern Europe was revealed by Whoosh founder Thana
Thammavongsa, a chef/entrepreneur and creator of the small business in 2008 “to
share the rich flavours, vibrant
culture, and authentic stories of Thai and Vietnamese
cuisine”.
What began as private and corporate catering soon evolved into a street food café in
Coleraine. a distinctive range of Instant Noodle Pots inspired by the same culinary
heritage.
Whoosh then expanded into the production of a range of instant noodles
for home cooks.
Thana continues: “Whoosh noodles and other foods are crafted with care, using only
the finest ingredients. Ready in just five minutes, Whoosh’s instant pots deliver
authentic taste and wholesome nourishment – a versatile base for creativity and
quick, flavourful Asian meals at home
“Customers can easily personalise their noodles by adding their own protein,
vegetables, or even leftovers ̶ helping to reduce food waste while creating a
satisfying, balanced dish,” adds Thana.
The Whoosh range of instant noodles, she continues “currently features seven
flavours, each offering a balance of quality, convenience, and vibrant taste that
reflects the brand’s Southeast Asian roots”.
The Coleraine company’s first international shipment was dispatched via the client’s
established logistics hub in Belgium.
“We’re thrilled to see Whoosh beginning to travel beyond the UK and Ireland,” says
Thana
“It’s a great sign that there’s growing international appetite for quality,
convenience, and rich flavours,” adds Thana.
The business opened its innovative Thai and Vietnamese street food café in 2013 in
Coleraine town centre and quickly gained a reputation for its fresh selection of Thai
and Vietnamese street food, freshly cooked by Thana and her team on site every
day.
The small café’s unique menu is made up of a blend of Thai, Lao and Vietnamese
foods that “offer a great balance of delicate flavours and textures to give you all the
enjoyment of great food as well as a healthy diet”.
“Our food is all about fresh, healthy and delicious fast food served in a casual setting
or as an ideal food on-the-go alternative. Following the success of the café, we
invested time in product development and turned our recipes into a range of instant
rice noodle products for the food-on-the-go retail market,” adds Thana.
The rice noodles proved to be a hugely successful new direction for the business.
They were recently included in the Grow with Aldi initiative with the German-owned
supermarket chain in the Republic of Ireland.
As well as customers here, Whoosh has also supplied instant noodles to the iconic
Selfridges in London, one of the UK’s most prestigious and influential department
stores that also features an impressive and popular food hall. Whoosh is among a
handful of local companies supplying food products to Selfridges. It was then the
company’s first business for instant noodles outside Northern Ireland.
Thana remembers: “I was thrilled to receive the approach from such a prestigious
and influential food store as Selfridges, one of the biggest stores in the world and
one with a great commitment to quality and innovative food.”
Cartons of Whoosh Vietnamese instant curry, Thai red curry and Thai Tom Yum
noodles were supplied to the prestigious store in London’s busy Oxford Street.
Thana says it was “tremendously exciting business for us”. “At Whoosh, we love
cooking, we love eating! We always think about food, we dream about food…
especially Thai and Vietnamese food.”
A graduate and postgraduate in Languages from Ulster University, Thana says she
launched Whoosh with the aim “to share a love of food, our culture and the stories
behind every recipe and every dish we cook”.
“Our belief is in fresh, delicious food that’s cooked with love and really makes a
difference, keeping consumers healthy, happy and satisfied. Over the years, we
gradually won the hearts and appetites of so many foodies here,” she adds.
2022 marked the launch of Whoosh’s own range of instant rice noodle pots that can
be eaten everywhere in a matter of minutes for a nourishing and flavoursome meal.
“The noodles are authentic, three-minute meals that have been handcrafted with
care, using only the best quality and purest ingredients,” continues Thana.
She believes in “eating healthy, eating happy, eating together”. “Our mission is still to
bring people together through food – at work, at home, or anywhere in between.”
Give the Gift of Local Flavour with a Dining Experience at Coq & Bull
As the festive season approaches, there’s one gift that always delights – the promise of great food, fine wine and warm hospitality. At Clandeboye Lodge (Bangor, County Down) the Coq & Bull brasserie offers just that, proudly Taste of Ulster accredited and dedicated to celebrating the very best of Northern Ireland’s local and seasonal produce.
For those seeking the perfect present, the Coq & Bull meal for two gift voucher is a thoughtful choice. It includes a three-course à la carte meal and a bottle of wine for two – the perfect gift that brings people together over good, honest food!
Recognised for its warm welcome, talented chefs and exceptional service, the Coq & Bull is a renowned brasserie where the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from relaxed and light-filled by day to intimate and inviting by night. Head Chef Ian Lyttle and his team are passionate about crafting good, honest food using the finest local ingredients.
And this Christmas, there’s even more reason to share the joy. Spend £100 on Clandeboye Lodge gift vouchers and receive a £10 voucher for yourself! Offer valid until 19th December 2025. T&Cs apply.
Discover the full range of Clandeboye Lodge gift vouchers, and give a gift they’ll truly look forward to.
Alastair’s Bramley Sauce from Portrush, a Gourmet Hit in the ‘Big Apple’
Customers at the top destination in New York for gourmet and artisan foods are now able to enjoy a unique and award-winning sweet/savoury preserve from Portrush in Co Antrim.
Irish Black Butter, a hugely successful spread that’s made from Armagh Bramley apples and spices, is now available in the US from the influential Chelsea Market Baskets in Manhattan, one of New York’s most important food stores that also provides a popular hampers packed with artisan products from around the world. As well as featuring in the shop, Irish Back Butter will be included in premium hampers.
Food NI member, Alastair Bell, the owner and founder of Irish Black Butter in 2017, is understandably “thrilled by this important export deal”. “It was fantastic to connect with the team in New York and see our award-winning preserve proudly represented in such an iconic location,” continues Alastair.
“The deal is the outcome of many months building contacts in key US centres such as New York, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Nashville, networking which is leading to significant business. I set out to promote Irish Black Butter as a new taste of Ireland and it’s working. It’s been hard work, of course, and has required a substantial invest in my time and other resources from my small business,” he adds. Customers in the US, especially from New York city and state can visit the Chelsea Market store or order online.
“The product is now regarded as a versatile taste of Ireland that’s perfect for pairing with cheeses and charcuterie; glazing meats; adding depth to sauces; and spreading on toast, pastries, or desserts including ice cream,” adds Alastair. He’s also created a salted caramel sauce with Irish Black Butter.
Founded in 1993, Chelsea Market Baskets is passionate about specialty and innovative foods. Owner David Porat searches the world for original products that are “distinctly high quality, fresh, unique, and have a certain indescribable charm”. It aims to satisfy sophisticated tastes with its global offerings.
