A major one-day conference which will explore the role of food and drink within the tourism sector is to take place next month at the Culloden Estate.

The Taste of Tourism Summit, organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), will take place on Tuesday, April 19 and will be addressed by a range of high profile speakers. Addressing current hot topics such as Food Trends, Service and Standards, Partnership and Promotion and authenticity of ingredients, the event is aimed at the hospitality and food tourism sectors.

Preceded by the Taste of Northern Ireland dinner at the same venue the evening before, both events will showcase an array of Northern Ireland produce, stressing the importance of placing high quality local food and drink at the heart of the tourism experience.

Speaking of the summit this week Janice Gault, Chief Executive of NIHF said, “If your business revolves around food or drink, you can’t afford to miss this event.”

“We’ve brought together a range of speakers who’ve used food and drink to attract new customers, improve profits and up their reputations” said Janice.

“Our topics include future food, trends, service, collaborations and partnerships and how to use these factors to stand out from the crowd. Each of our ten internationally acclaimed speakers have been chosen because of their immersion in the food and drink industry. Each has a unique story to tell and all have great ideas to make food and drink a better part of your business.”

The panel of ten acclaimed speakers includes Michelin Star chef Angela Hartnett, one of the highest profile women in the restaurant world; JP McMahon, also a Michelin Star chef and the brains behind a number of tourist events built around Galway’s culinary scene; Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye and food critic, restaurant reviewer and hotel inspector, Simon Parkes.

“Angela will join compere Pamela Ballantine on stage to discuss her views on the industry and her expanding culinary business,” continued Janice. “JP McMahon, who epitomises the vibrant face of food in Galway, will speak about his Food on the Edge initiative which brought over 50 internationally-renowned chefs to Galway to celebrate all things food.

“Dr Morgaine Gaye, who uses trend analysis, economic data and socio-cultural analyse in her role as an acclaimed Food Futurologist, will look at the food of the future, giving an illuminating and often surprising insight into what we eat and what will be on future menus. Simon Parkes will draw on his international and extensive experience to speak about the changing world of restaurants and how service is evolving.”

As well as the tantalising line-up of speakers, delegates will also enjoy a Taste of NI Breakfast featuring iconic brands, traditional fare and a range of healthy options. This will be followed by a Picnic NI Lunch which includes a food hamper for sharing, grazing and enjoying the best local products. Curated artisan food and drink will also be served up at an Artisan Marketplace throughout the day. In addition, each delegate will leave with a Takeaway Bag filled with the best local produce and mementos.

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is working with a range of partners to deliver the Taste of Tourism Summit. Lead sponsorship is being provided by Tourism Northern Ireland, Invest NI, Tourism Ireland, Food Standards Agency NI and Bunzl McLaughlin. Additional support is being provided by Hastings Hotels, Food NI/Taste of Ulster, Get Fresh, Henderson Foodservice, Woodford Bourne, Carnbrooke Meats and La Rousse Foods.

For further details see tasteoftourism.com or call 028 9077 6635

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) today launched the 148th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank.

This year’s Show promises the usual components of food, farming excellence and showmanship alongside an exciting entertainment schedule from 11th – 13th May 2016.

Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, Chief Executive, Colin Mc Donald commented “We were extremely encouraged by the increase in activity at the 2015 Show. We are determined to build on that success. The 2016 Show will be bigger again with more livestock competition, more stands and displays and most importantly more to see, do and enjoy.”
Nigel Walsh, Director, Commercial Banking NI, Ulster Bank, says: “This is Ulster Bank’s eighth year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show, and fittingly our support for the agri-food sector continues to grow. We see our involvement in the show as a real demonstration of Ulster Bank’s commitment to the sector, and indeed, we have significant funds available to support it. We are here to provide real and meaningful help for what matters to our customers – from primary producers through to innovative food and drink manufacturers – and we look forward to further showcasing that.”

Balmoral Show promises to be bigger and better this year as tens of thousands of people flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food event which will see a further increase in size by 10% for 2016. A superb family day is on offer as food and farming are served alongside a jam packed entertainment programme.

Balmoral Show is joining in the celebration of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink. The Show continues to support and provide a platform for local producers with the NI Food Pavilion. Celebrity chef Paula McIntyre spoke at the launch in the Eikon Exhibition Centre, telling of her passion for local food and excitement at demonstrating culinary delights at the upcoming Show.

Jilly Dougan, owner of Edible Gardens, also took to the stage confirming the introduction of a polytunnel at this year’s Show, providing a visually interesting and informative display of edible produce.
Following the success of last year, visitors will be able to watch live robotic milking again. The SPAR Arena also makes a return offering a dedicated area for fun family entertainment. The packed out timetable will ensure bustling crowds as visitors are educated and entertained with a variety of acts including everything from Circus Workshops to the amazing Bruce Airhead.

Both the Agri Pavilion and the Sustainable Village provide a definitive platform for businesses representing the agricultural, environmental and renewable industries, where networking and business are rife over the three days.
Audiences around the Main Arena will be captivated by the Bolddog Lings, the tantalising motorcycle display team with performances from the UK’s top ranked freestyle motocross riders. However if you prefer to indulge in retail therapy the NI Food Pavilion and Shopping Village are perfect for spending an afternoon browsing the goodies on offer.

The Downtown Radio Show Stage provides a platform for emerging and established local acts take to the mike and provide musical entertainment. Situated next door the garden village will provide a haven for green-fingered enthusiasts. Animals are also aplenty from prize winning stock to the cute and cuddly inhabitants in the Children’s Farm and the Rare Breed Survival Trust stand. Balmoral Show is hosting the Six Nations Wool Handling followed by a test between Germany and Northern Ireland.
The Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster make a return as they encapsulate the energy and enthusiasm of the Show in their various activities from Tug of War to Tractor Handling.

Show goers can download the Balmoral Show 2016 app once it is released, which is being created in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal. Features will include an interactive day planner and a find your car option.
Colin McDonald concluded “With so much to see at the Show it’s important to get there in good time and relaxed. I’d encourage everyone to consider public transport”.

Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn between Wednesday 11 and Friday 13 May 2016. Opening times are 9.30am – 8.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) and 9.30am – 8.00pm (Friday). Admission charges range from £2 to £18 with early bird rates available on our website. Children under 5 years are free when accompanied by an adult.

To keep up to date with 2016 Balmoral Show news check out our website www.balmoralshow.co.uk, Facebook: Balmoral Show and Twitter: @balmoralshow.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival has two reasons to celebrate; it’s been named as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the world to visit in 2016 by WorldGuide and as one of the best Irish seafood festivals in 2016 by Coast Monkey.

Now in its 24th year the Festival is a popular fixture in the Northern Ireland food calendar and its placement from WorldGuide, an online travel and lifestyle resource, has helped put this local event and Northern Ireland firmly on the world platform. It ranks alongside the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in Australia, World Gourmet Summit in Singapore, Salon du Chocolat in Paris, Taste of Chicago in Illinois and Lona Coffee Cultural Festival in Hawaii.

Claudia Hellmann, Travel & Food Editor at WorldGuide commented, “It was not easy to decide which food events to pick as our top recommendations for 2016 because there are so many exciting festivals in all parts of the world. But picking the Hillsborough Oyster Festival was easy. I have always loved it for its unique mix of the finest locally-sourced produce, laid-back atmosphere and exciting events such as the World Oyster Eating Championship and it has such a varied programme that it’s one of the most entertaining food events I know.”
The Festival received its listing as one of the best Irish seafood festivals in 2016 from Coast Monkey, an online resource that shares news and information about the Irish Coast.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been named as one of the world’s top food festivals and one of the best Irish seafood festivals in 2016 and especially in NI Year of Food and Drink,” said Don Spence, chairman of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival organising committee. “Every year we strive to host a bigger and better event that attracts visitors to the village and showcases the very best of local produce and seafood.”
This year the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival takes place from Tuesday 30th August to Sunday 4th September. For further information visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break facility in Newcastle will play host to a unique dining event as part of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink in association with Tourism NI.

Guests at A Dinner with a difference on May 13 will first enjoy a champagne reception at The Mac in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter before being whisked off to Daisy Lodge at the foothill of the Mourne Mountains.

The setting is particularly fitting as May has been chosen by NI Year of Food and Drink organisers as the month to celebrate our stunning local landscapes – and what could be more beautiful than the breath-taking Mourne Mountains?

Once at Daisy Lodge guests will enjoy a second champagne reception followed by a seven course dining experience delivered by seven top local chefs, including Yellow Door proprietor Simon Dougan who has helped plan the event. The focus of the event will be on celebrating the best in fresh local produce.

To add to the suspense, the names of the remaining chefs will be released in the run up to the event.
Simon said: “I am so excited to be a part of this amazing event that will help mark the Year of Food and Drink and also raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children. Guests are in for a real treat and an unforgettable day. At the Yellow Door growing and harvesting our own produce is the only guaranteed way of ensuring getting the very freshest produce to our kitchens.
So all the chefs will of course be availing of the freshest possible herbs from the Daisy Lodge herb gardens my wife and I installed 2 years ago.”

Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge Hospitality Manager Joan Burden said: “This will be a night not to be missed where guests will enjoy delicious local produce cooked by top local talent while looking out at one of the best landscapes in the world. Funds raised will also enable the charity to continue providing vital support services for local families affected by cancer.”

Sharon Machala from Food NI/Taste of Ulster said: “We are delighted to support Cancer Fund for Children’s event in Daisy Lodge, celebrating the Year of Food and Drink. Each month has a calendar theme, May is Landscape and places, what better way to showcase this than with the seven peaks of Mourne as a backdrop. We have been working with Joan at Daisy Lodge in the initial stages to realise the ethos of serving and promoting wholesome local food to the families and children enjoying a therapeutic short break at the facility and we’re delighted Daisy Lodge will play host to this fantastic event.”

Tickets costs £150 per person and seats are limited. Get a ticket for this unique event today by calling Alex Murdock on 028 9080 5599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com

Food NI member Baked in Belfast, the Northern Ireland specialist in highly original jams, has won two gold and silvers awards in the prestigious World Marmalade Awards 2016.
Based near Enniskillen in county Fermanagh, Baked in Belfast entered four products and gained the following awards:
Gold – Marmalade with Interesting Additions – Vodka and Orange Marmalade
Gold- Marmalade with Interesting Additions – Mango Marmalade
Silver – Marmalade with Interesting Additions – Mojito Rum/Mint
Silver – Marmalade with Interesting Additions – Gin and Tonic Marmalade

The small company is run by husband and wife team Suzanne and Keith Livingstone.

Mrs Livingstone, commenting on the awards, says: “We are delighted to have won so many awards at what is the world’s biggest competition for marmalades.

“The expert judges clearly appreciated our range of highly original flavours. I hope the endorsement in these important awards will be beneficial as we seek expand sales throughout the UK, Ireland and further afield.”
Baked in Belfast was among 3,000 entrants to the awards, held at the historic Dalmain Estate, near Penrith in Cumbria for the past 11 years. It is the world’s premier marmalade competition and attracts entries for most parts of Europe, South Africa as well as the US.
Martin Grant, Managing Director, Mackays, one of the sponsors of the awards adds: “The worldwide appeal of marmalade is undeniable and these awards are testament to that.
“We export our marmalade, which we still make the authentic way using copper pans, all over the world, so we already knew that other countries have an appetite for it. However, it wasn’t until we started supporting this event that we appreciated just how many people in continents such as Asia and the Middle East are making it at home – it’s great to see. Mackays is proud to be supporting this event for another year.”
This year, there are no fewer than 15 categories.

Awards which will champion and celebrate innovation and excellence of the food and drinks sector in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough have been launched. The area has established itself as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland because of the sheer volume of food production and the outstanding quality of products. The first Food Heartland Awards, led by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, which will be held on 25th May at Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, will showcase the best local produce and the people behind the thriving agri-food sector as well as highlight the sector’s potential for growth and positive impact on the local economy.

The Food Heartland Awards will be a key highlight of a yearlong calendar of initiatives by the council to champion the local agri-food sector as part of a wider initiative – the Food Heartland and NI Year of Food & Drink 2016. The council has established a Food Heartland Forum, launched in April 2015, which aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-food industry, throughout the borough, as well as to enhance the tourism experience and expand local agri-food exports.

There are 12 individual awards categories* which reflects the passion, innovation and excellence of the local industry. The awards include Best New Start Up, Best Export Business, Best Licensed Eating Establishment and Best Independent Retail Food Business – to name but a few. Entry is FREE with all details available at www.foodheartland.com. Deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 15th April.

Announcing the Awards Alderman Twyble, said:
“I am delighted to announce the first Food Heartland Awards. The Awards will not only recognise the hard-work and dedication of local food companies but shine a spotlight on the abundance of top quality produce and producers that exists within our borough. The Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our wonderful products and businesses on a global scale as well as encourage innovation and growth which will only serve to have a positive impact on our local economy. I would encourage anyone involved in this sector to consider entering the awards and make 2016 the year to shine a spotlight on their business.”

Roger Wilson, Chief Executive of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council commented:
“Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s number one priority is to grow the local economy and the agri-food sector is a priority growth area. This was very much demonstrated at the start of the year when we launched the Food Heartland brand in Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, to champion the quality and volume of food production in the borough. Against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland Year of Food 2016 this provides us with the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight as well as celebrate our local produce and people behind this thriving sector. The Food Heartland Awards is a fantastic opportunity for this sector to showcase their excellence and innovation to Northern Ireland and beyond. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all entrants good luck and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the gala evening on 25th May.”

The Food Heartland Awards are now open for entry. The Awards gala evening will be hosted at Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre on Wednesday 25th May. Tickets priced at £50 plus VAT. For further details visit www.foodheartland.com or e-mail foodheartland@ndevents.com. Follow Food Heartland Awards on Facebook Food Heartland and twitter@FoodHeartlandNI #FHLAwards16.