Just 14 months after opening, The Ebrington Hotel and Spa in Derry-Londonderry
has been named Northern Ireland Hotel of the Year and was also awarded 2 AA
Rosette status at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards

The 4- star 89-bedroom property has been a Taste of Ulster member since it opened
in the landmark former barracks building in July 2023.

Managing Director, Cecil Doherty said the award was “a testament to our vision of
creating a truly unique luxury hotel in the heart of Derry.”

The Oakroom restaurant, which holds 2 AA rosette status, is led by Executive Head
Chef, Noel McMeel and Leigh Thurston.

We invite you to sign up to our SALSA capability workshops
SALSA is the food safety certification scheme for the UK’s small food and drink producers.

Sign up to SALSA workshops with Gwen Cahoon
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19ipCaJCPMnv71iin7h-AkyWO80BUtc8YbcLTRAA6mVU/edit

These workshops have already taken 60 local companies step by step through each SALSA section so that you leave SALSA ready

Why ?
Achieving SALSA shows that a business is committed to producing and supplying safe and legal food
It can:
Gain the confidence of prospective customers
Help supply products to regional and national buyers
Open up new opportunities for businesses to expand
Provide guidance and support to develop a food safety management system.

Gwen Cahoon is a professionally qualified and trained mentor since 2008

Who is eligible?
Small food and drink businesses Operating from a separate facility to their home kitchen
Workshops will be held in a central location and take place over 6 sessions, one for each SALSA section.

Thanks to the support of InvestNI there is no cost to attend.

ABP Linden in Dungannon, Co Tyrone has been named Meat Industry Manufacturer
of 2024 in a major awards in Great Britain. The company was chosen by a panel of
expert judges from the meat industry.

ABP Linden, a Food NI member, was announced as the very best in the UK in the
gala event in front of a high-profile audience of manufacturers, supermarkets,
industry suppliers, trade organisations, catering butchers, independent retailers and
outstanding individuals.

The Northern Ireland manufacturer, a leading processor of beef, lamb and poultry for
a wide range of innovative foods, is a major supplier of products to leading retailers,
especially Marks and Spencer, and the hospitality sector in the United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland.

Broadcaster, actor and former England international rugby star Martin Bayfield co-
hosted the evening and presented accolades to the winners as top people from
across the industry came together to recognise the creativity, innovation and
excellence of the UK meat sector.

Linden is now a leading processor within the Republic of Ireland ABP Group, a major
international business.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr and Michael Henderson, NI Food To Go Association pictured at the Guildhall, Derry on Tuesday morning cutting the ribbon to officially open the NI Food To Go Roadshow. Included from left are Stella Graham, Foodovation, Danielle McNally, DCSDC, Hannah Ramraj, Legenderry Food, Anna Doherty, Londonderry Chamber and Emma Armstrong, Henderson Foodservice.

The highly anticipated NI Food To Go Roadshow took place this week at the historic Guildhall in Derry. This dynamic and informative event showcased the latest innovations, trends, and opportunities in Northern Ireland’s ever-evolving food to go sector.

Industry leaders, business owners, and food enthusiasts from across the region gathered to gain insight into this fast-growing market and connect with key players in the food industry.

Organised by the NI Food To Go Association, the roadshow brought together a vibrant community of suppliers, retailers, and food service operators, creating a platform for networking, education, and the exploration of new business opportunities. With the UK food to go market valued at approximately £21 billion, the event highlighted Northern Ireland’s potential to continue thriving in this rapidly expanding sector.

Speaking at the event, Michael Henderson, CEO of the NI Food To Go Association, said:
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s roadshow. The enthusiasm from both the exhibitors and attendees demonstrates how vital the food to go sector is to Northern Ireland’s economy. As consumers continue to demand the latest in convenient food options and modern-day technologies, events like these are crucial in helping our local businesses unite, support one another, and grow, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.”

Sponsored by Go Succeed, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Henderson Foodservice, the roadshow also provided an opportunity for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and form valuable partnerships, paving the way for possible future collaborations.

The NI Food To Go Roadshow is expected to return in the coming years, offering even more opportunities for businesses to grow and adapt in this thriving market.

For more information on the event and future roadshows, please visit www.nifoodtogo.co.uk.

Several Food NI Producer Members have taken prizes at the 2024 IQFDA (Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards). The announcements were made at an event at Dublin’s Mansion on Tuesday 10^th September, 2024.

Morelli’s for Dunnes Simply Better Caramelised Hazelnut Ice Cream and Simply Better Irish Made Butterscotch won Joint Gold in the Ice Cream and Ice Lollies Sector awards, whilst Glastry took Silver for Mango and Passionfruit Sorbet.

Blackfire Foods x En Place Ghost Pepper and Black Lime Ketchup, and Marshall Beekeeping’s Northern Irish Hot Honey both took home Silver within the Condiments category, whilst Irish Black Butter won Gold.

In crisps, Glens of Antrim took both Bronze, for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Crinkle Cut Whiskey Smoked Bacon Crisps, and Silver, for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Crinkle Cut Pickled Onion Crisps.

In Food to Go, Deli Lites received Bronze for Peshwari Chicken Flatbread, Silver for the Cinnabun Cake.

The Daily Apron’s Charcoal Sourdough achieved Gold in the Loaves Category and Mash Direct’s Potato Croquettes are shortlisted in Meal Accompaniments.

Golden Popcorn took home Bronze, for their Lidl Deluxe Flavoured Irish Atlantic Sea Salt Popcorn, in the Savoury Snacks category, and Green Fingers Family were awarded Silver for their Lemon & Turmeric Energy Balls in the Free From Gluten group.

Slim’s Healthy Kitchen have succeeded in achieving three Gold Awards; Chinese Style Chicken Curry, Korean Style Chicken with Jasmine Rice and Soy and Ginger Chicken with Hoisin Noodles.

Moocha Kombucha’s Cola Flavour won Gold in the Carbonated Soft Drinks section.

Crawford’s Rock took Silver for their Dandelion Honey, and Gold for the Seaweed Salt. In Yogurt, Clandeboye Estate’s Apple and Cinnamon Crumble Greek Style won Gold.

Finally, in drinks (Low/No Alcohol), Jackson Roze Extra Strength Ginger Wine took home Silver.

Congratulations to all!

Retailer’s first store in South Belfast will bolster the local job market, adding an additional 40 permanent jobs to a regional 1,300 strong Lidl workforce.

Local politicians, middle-aisle bargain hunters, and Rhys McClenaghan fans flocked to the opening of Lidl Northern Ireland’s new Boucher Road store today, as the Olympic gymnast was joined by Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray for the ribbon cutting at Lidl Northern Ireland’s first South Belfast store.

Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good ambassador Rhys McClenaghan, who made history at the 2024 Olympics as the first ever gymnast from the island of Ireland to win gold, welcomed local shoppers to the new flagship store when it opened at 8am this morning.

The retailer also celebrated the new store opening by donating £1,000 in store vouchers to two local charities, Barnados NI and Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid.

The opening of the new Boucher Road store – which is the tenth Lidl store in the Greater Belfast area – reflects its plans to expand the Lidl footprint in Northern Ireland and provide more people with access to its ‘Go Full Lidl’ brand proposition for the first time.

The new, state-of-the-art, £7m ‘concept’ store will bolster the local job market, adding an additional 40 permanent jobs to a regional 1,300 strong Lidl workforce.  

 Positioned to the front of the National Football Stadium and Olympia Leisure Centre, the refurbished site includes an adjacent 148-space customer car park, complete with EV charging stations, redeveloping derelict land in an iconic Belfast location. 

Developed in line with Lidl Northern Ireland’s modern, ‘concept’ design and industry-leading sustainability standards, the new store also incorporates energy efficient features including roof solar panelling, reflecting Lidl Northern Ireland’s commitment to sustainability. The modern fit-out provides a premier shopping experience for customers, with wide aisles, an in-store bakery, longer till points and enhanced restrooms and employee facilities.

Speaking at the opening of the new store this morning, Lidl Northern Ireland Managing Director Ivan Ryan said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to officially open our new Boucher Road store and to bring Lidl to South Belfast for the first time. This has been a highly anticipated project and we knew we would have a lot of interest in the new store, but we’ve been blown away by the number of customers visiting us this morning, and the positive response from both new and existing Lidl shoppers.

The opening of Boucher Road – our 42nd store in the region – reflects our commitment to creating new jobs and investment across the region. Realising this new store has been a priority for Lidl Northern Ireland and I’d like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing support and for the warm welcome they have given us this morning.”

Lidl Northern Ireland ‘Sport for Good’ ambassador Rhys McClenaghan said:

“It’s been an incredible morning, meeting the crowds of people who have come along to join us in celebrating the opening of the first Lidl store in South Belfast.

“As Lidl Northern Ireland has supported me along my journey to Olympic success, I am proud to be here supporting the Boucher Road team this morning, as they welcome new and existing shoppers to this impressive new store.”

Following successful opening day celebrations this morning, Lidl Northern Ireland is inviting shoppers to enjoy a weekend of family-friendly activities at Boucher Road store this weekend, 14^th and 15^th September. Families can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts stations, archery, a petting farm and performances by the South Belfast Rock Choir.

Established in 1999 when it opened its first store in Cookstown, Lidl Northern Ireland marks 25 years in the region this year. It now holds a 9.2 percent market share in Northern Ireland, according to retail information analysts Kantar.

For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk