Top bartenders across the UK have named gin and vodka from Boatyard Distillery in Fermanagh as the best.

Spirits from the small distillery overlooking the picturesque Lough Erne have been recognised for their superb quality and outstanding taste in the inaugural Class Report by Bar magazine

In addition to the remarkable endorsement by leading bartenders, Boatyard Distillery, a FoodNI member, was also listed the number seven best-selling gin, and number eight best-selling vodka. Boatyard is clearly holding its own among the world’s most recognised global players in both spirits.

Reporting on both the bartenders’ favourites as well as the best-selling brands,

the Class Report brings the UK bar industry insight into what brands the best

bars in the UK are using and their buying and selling habits. Brands do not enter these awards but are identified by consumer behaviour and the bartenders themselves as the brands that really excite them.

Commercial director at Boatyard Distillery, Declan McGurk says: “This important recognition received directly from some of the best bartenders in the UK is testament to the quality and innovation of work we are doing.

“I am a big believer that a spirit brand is best built by putting the bottles into the finest bartenders’ hands, and so I am thrilled the bar professionals believe in what we are doing. The high value of the Boatyard brand by the best in the business gives us great momentum for growth, as we look to expand in global markets and stature,” adds Declan.

Founder of Boatyard Distillery, Joe McGirr continues: “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised so highly alongside the world’s best-known global brands. This is evidence that Boatyard’s organic and sustainable spirits are advancing on the world stage as a widely sought after liquid.

“We owe a huge amount of thanks to all the UK bartenders who work with Boatyard and believe in our ethos. Our whole team have done an incredible job producing and bringing our spirits into these incredible bars,” he adds.

In 2023 The Boatyard Distillery became the first distillery on the island of Ireland

to become B Corp certified, and was also awarded Northern Ireland sustainable

company of the year at the 2023 Business Eye awards.

The distillery currently produces a core range of four premium products – Boatyard Double Gin, Boatyard Old Tom Gin, Sloe Boat gin and Boatyard Vodka.  The progressive company is also finishing its first generation of Irish whiskeys for release shortly.

The team also uses innovation to seek out new flavours and products for exclusive releases. They follow sustainable and environmentally conscious gin making practices where possible, continually looking at where improvements can be made.

Under Joe McGirr’s visionary leadership, Boatyard, for example, was the first distillery in Ireland to introduce recyclable pouches for consumers to refill already purchased glass bottles of the award-winning spirits.

With a radical shift in the way that consumers think about what they eat and drink, the Boatyard Distillery is now an agent of change in Ireland and in the distilling industry, intending to be at the front of the conversation, setting new standards in the world of spirits.

The progressive distillery places a great deal of emphasis on meticulously choosing the best quality ingredients and materials used in the spirits, from the beginning to end of the product, supporting and using organically farmed ingredients where possible including organic wheat sourced from an Irish farm.

The Boatyard Distillery team continues to question and challenge conventional beliefs and push boundaries to be the best it can be for its people, the wider community and environment.

The ambitious distillery takes its name from a former boatyard that has been converted sensitively into a state-of the-art, craft distillery overlooking the
picturesque lough. The complex also features a modern visitor and information centre which has hosted tourists from all over the world.

Joe McGirr’s concept for the distillery was born with the simple ethos to create award winning spirits from local ingredients for global markets. Since then, and
hundreds of thousands of gin and tonics later, Joe, an experienced spirit distiller, who learned his skills as major distilleries in Britain, and grew up on a family farm and his team, have developed the concept through to every level – a stunning location, precision engineering and spirit creation with a growing and passionate workforce. Among local ingredients is Sweet Gael, a Fermanagh favourite botanical, in the family’s bog.

The distillery has won international spirits awards for its distinctive bottle design
and branding.

The Boatyard Distillery now has a thriving on-trade business supplying its premium gins to some of the world’s best bars including the iconic American bar at the Savoy Hotel in London. The distillery has distribution partners in Ireland, UK, across Europe and is developing sales in the US. All major Irish airports and London city airport stock Boatyard products.

Tourism Northern Ireland has launched nine new food and drink experiences, showcasing the region’s vibrant food and drink scene while encouraging visitors near and far to plan their next giant adventure here.

From the peaks of the Sperrin Mountains, the lush drumlins of County Down and serene setting of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the fresh air of the spectacular Causeway Coast and the crisp countryside of Armagh, Northern Ireland’s culinary culture takes inspiration from its landscapes, bringing the beauty of our natural surroundings onto our plates.

With some of the freshest produce, local specialties and foodie legends taking our cuisine to the next level, a giant welcome awaits you and your taste buds.

Travel to the magnificent Mourne Mountains and learn to make Wheaten Bread at Mrs C’s Home Kitchen. Discover the unique story of Bonding and Blending at Two Stacks Irish Whiskey in County Down. Get into the sting and enjoy the magic of nettles with Noreen’s Nettlefest in County Armagh’s countryside.

Step back in time for an Estate Dining experience with the National Trust and Tully Millat Florence Court in County Fermanagh. Plan your next giant adventure in Derry to visit Wild & Fired BBQ School’s delicious wood-fired meal in the historic walled garden in Brook Hall Estate, and then head over to Dart Mountain Cheese for a peak into the world of artisan cheese production. Save room for more as you bake bread at Maeve’s Kitchen in County Tyrone overlooking spectacular views of the Sperrin Mountains.

Get hands-on with heritage alongside Willow & Lore – Fire, Feast and Folklore, as you work the land and cook over the open fire. Get lost in an immersive dining experience with Wilde Dining as they take you to the most enchanting locations for a dining experience to remember.

The nine new experiences were launched at a special event at Brook Hall Estate, Derry where members of the Irish Food Writer’s Guild, media, influencers and tour operators indulged in a curated wild and fired menu.

Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate, said:

“Tourism NI is delighted for visitors to discover these nine new food and drink experiences on their next giant adventure across Northern Ireland. These passionate producers open their homes and hearts to visitors, continuing to tell the rich story of our food and drink history.

We were delighted to use this event as an opportunity to shine a light on our amazing food and drink. It was a magical evening at the beautiful Brook Hall Estate, amongst fellow food champions and friends. Guests let their taste buds do the talking, as every bite and sip told a story of our giant spirit.”

To find out more information and to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

Entrepreneurial husband and wife team Andrea and Zsolt Bohar are confident of a significant business boost in the Republic of Ireland from two major taste events.

The enterprising couple, originally from Hungary, own and run Green Fingers Family in Larne, a small business specialising in unique granolas and energy balls that are made without additives, preservatives or processed sugars.  The company is a FoodNI member.

The foods are 100 percent natural, plant-based, vegan and gluten-free. Everything they produce is handmade in small batches in packaging that’s now environmentally friendly, Andrea, a talented baker, explains.

Already a UK Great Taste winner, Green Fingers Family has just been shortlisted for a Blas na hEireann award, the most important on the island of Ireland, and an Irish Quality Food and Drink Award, a prestigious competition which has significant influence on supermarkets and other retailers in the Republic.

Green Fingers Family is among 60 local food and drink producers shortlisted for the Blas final stage in October. Now in its 17th year, Blas  saw another record-breaking year across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year.

During the judging, which took place in June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged, testament to the number of brilliant producers across the country. The results will be announced as an integral part of the popular Kerry Food Festival in Dingle.

Local companies Morelli Ice Cream of Coleraine and Kilkeel’s Millbay Oysters have both won the top award at Blas.

Both the Blas and Irish Food and Drink short listings for Green Fingers are for innovative and healthy energy balls crafted with lemon and turmeric. The small business was, furthermore, given a one star for a nutty peanut butter granola in this year’s Great Taste Awards.

The company, in addition, gained a Silver Level Innovator Award from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the commitment to eco-friendly packaging.

“We are thrilled to be shortlisted in such prestigious awards in a marketplace which has become an important target for us over the past few years,” continues Andrea. “The awards are immensely encouraging for us because they increase awareness among retailers, especially in the Republic, and with consumers there,” she adds.

The family business has also won important business from Odaois Foods in Dublin, one of Ireland’s leading food distributors. Discounter Lidl has listed the energy balls.

Established by the couple in 2020, Andrea hopes shortly to be able soon to announce new business with a leading food hall with outlets in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

“In addition, we are directly supplying local independent food stores and farm shops across Northern Ireland as well as selling online via our e-commerce website,” continues Andrea, a mother of three.

 Based outside the Co Antrim town, Green Fingers Family is pursuing a vision of “a world where delicious food experiences seamlessly intertwine with environmental sustainability”.

“We are responding positively to environmental concerns now growing in the local food industry by embracing innovative, eco-friendly practices in our production and packaging, supporting moves to create a healthier planet,” she says. “We both care deeply about our environment.  It was a challenge, in particular, to find plastic-free packaging alternatives that were airtight to keep the granolas fresh.”

This focus on sustainability led to Green Fingers being named joint winner of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association Environmental Sustainability Award in 2022, celebrating the company’s commitment to efforts in using environmental friendly, compostable packaging for its premium granola.

Resident in Larne for almost 20 years, the couple’s decision to start a small enterprise was influenced by Andrea’s wish to take charge of her own health and wellbeing. Encouraged by Zsolt, she started growing vegetables on a small plot of land at their home.

She was convinced that with “the right food, right exercise and the right mentality, my body would do what it’s meant to do itself…. heal. It wasn’t only my body that needed healing, but my thinking and attitude too,” she explains.

It was Andrea’s sweet tooth that was to lead her to start developing her own range of granolas. “I had to change the way I made and baked sweet snacks at home. I replaced sugar with natural ingredients. My favourite snack is granola. I was shocked to read that the ingredients in many of the brands available were bulked up in different forms, and full of sugar and artificial flavourings,” she adds.

All granolas are homemade by Andrea “to make sure I can add that special pinch of love”.

The “Feed Your Wellbeing Festival” at Elmfield Market is designed to combine the joys of good food, health, and nature. Set in the beautiful Elmfield Estate, Gilford, Co Armagh, this one-day festival on Saturday, 31st August 2024, from 10am-5pm, promises to be a holistic experience for all ages.

Building on the success of the Elmfield Market, which started in June 2021, the festival will feature over 40 local food and drink producers, along with artists, craftspeople, and makers of holistic products. The market will be the centrepiece of the festival, offering visitors the chance to explore a wide variety of high-quality, locally sourced products.

The festival will be packed with activities, including:

• Panel Talks: Experts will discuss the importance of food for health, offering valuable insights into nutrition and wellbeing
• Farmer Stories: Hear directly from farmers about their journey in producing nutrient-rich foods
• Guided Walks: Explore the estate’s biodiversity, learn about native birds and trees, and enjoy family-friendly activities like a bird walk with a workshop on making fat balls
• Children’s Activities: Fun with Drums workshops and engaging storytelling sessions will keep younger visitors entertained
• Live Music: Enjoy live music from local artists
• Delicious Food: savour a range of culinary delights from our producers and street food vendors and specialist coffee trucks
• Enjoy walks along the lakeside and through the trees of the estate.

The Feed Your Wellbeing Festival at Elmfield Market is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in wellbeing, nature, and supporting local producers. For those familiar with the market, it is an opportunity to visit Elmfield Estate once again and shop directly with your favourite producers and makers all in the one place.

Tickets are £12 and are available online or visitors can pay on the day. Children 16 years and under are free.

For more information on who is trading and schedule of events, visit the Elmfield Estate website and keep an eye on our social media channels.

Sustainably harvested Dulse Sprinkles, a unique seaweed product developed by Michelle Wilson at Crawford’s Rock in Kilkeel, Co Down, has won the Vegan Choice Award, the most prestigious in the global vegan industry.

The awards are designed to help businesses get their vegan products, food or services into the hands of more people by providing them with a stamp of approval that they can use to build trust, credibility and increase interest.

​By highlighting award-winning vegan products, services and eateries to consumers, it aims to ensure a more likely movement toward veganism.

The awards were made by a panel of vegan evaluators of business professionals, marketing experts, dieticians, designers, authors, chefs, influencers and entrepreneurs with a vast knowledge of the vegan industry. 

​Michelle, commenting on the latest award for its natural seaweed products, says: “It’s a marvellous endorsement for our products from such an important champion of vegan foods.”

Crawford’s Rock is the first Northern Ireland company to win an award from Vegan’s Choice. The small company has also won a number of UK Great Taste Awards for its seaweed products harvested from the Co Down coastline.

Michelle’s small batch food products include an extensive portfolio of seasonings, salts, oils and seaweed shots for smoothies and juicing. In addition, she produces a unique seaweed bath for luxury hotels in the area and a natural soap.

There’s also seaweed capsules which she refers to as ‘vitamin sea’ and a range of seaweed teas including peppermint, nori chai, lemon detox, and a goodnight tea. She’s certainly demonstrating the versatility of local and natural seaweed.

Michelle established Crawford’s Rock seaweed company in 2018 from the experience and heritage of her husband’s family which has foraged part of the Down coastline for the seaweed that’s commonly called laver or nori for generations. Nori is known in Down as ‘sloke’, a dark black seaweed that is wrapped round sushi rolls for a tasty dish in Japan.

Michelle says that the health benefits of eating seaweed are now “well-known and widely accepted”. “Seaweed is rich in iodine to support thyroid function, is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help to delay hunger. It may reduce heart disease and cuts down on the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. 

“Seaweed is full of minerals and vitamins and is now regarded justifiably as a superfood the world over. Seaweed is now recognised as an incredibly high-energy and low-calorie food,” she adds.

Food NI member Moy Park is in line for a prestigious Grocer New Product/Packaging Award.

The Craigavon-based specialist in poultry products, Northern Ireland’s biggest and most successful food company, has been shortlisted for the final stages of the annual awards for a recently launched Fakeaway Buttermilk Chicken Tenders. The company is also in the running for an award for its innovative eco packaging.

The Grocer New Product and Packaging Awards has become the symbol of innovation in the UK food sector, and this glittering finals, will be held on Friday 8th November at Wembley Stadium, London, where we will hear the latest and greatest innovations that have hit the shelves in the past 18 months.

The event will recognise every shortlisted entry’s excellence, awarding a gold, silver or bronze medal in recognition of efforts to bring excitement and difference to grocery aisles.

Not only that, packaging innovation is also celebrated through eight additional awards which include Eco-Pack of the Year, Innovative Pack of the Year and Label and Pack Design of the Year.

Packed with flavour the Fakeaway range are frozen chicken breast fillets. Moy Park said there had been a notable increase in spending in this category as shoppers opt for more premium options and said there was a gap in the market for branded whole fillet frozen coated chicken.