Article written by Sam Butler

Amaury Dehen, managing director of Lagardère Travel Retail UK and Ireland, has praised the quality and innovation of artisan food and drink producers in Northern Ireland.

He was in Northern Ireland for the official opening of a unique Taste of Ulster shop at Belfast International Airport, which now stocks food and drink from almost 30 local suppliers, mostly artisans and smaller businesses.

Located within the Aelia Duty Free shopping complex in the Departures Zone, the shop is a joint venture between Lagadere Travel Retail, Belfast International Airport and Food NI, the organisation responsible for Taste of Ulster. Aelia is part of Lagardère, one of the world’s biggest operators of airport duty free shops.

The group is a global leader in travel retail with a presence in travel areas across 29 countries on four continents through its various activities including its Aelia brand.

The Taste of Ulster shop was opened officially by Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell.

Mr Dehen said: “This important initiative for us within Belfast International Airport is a demonstration of our longstanding commitment to engage with the local business community in the regions in which we have retail operations.

“We believe it to be essential that our retail operations represent the best local merchandise available and contribute to economic well-being. The shop offers smaller companies access to almost three million passengers. The airport expects to be handling 4.9 million passengers.

“The Taste of Ulster shop represents a significant development of the relationship that we have had with several Northern Ireland businesses over many years.

“We’ve now extended this engagement to embrace Northern Ireland’s developing artisan food and drink sector, a sector including a great many companies which have achieved great recognition in international and national awards.”

Mr Bell said: “We are lucky to have such a fantastic array of fresh ingredients, a wide range of eateries, talented chefs, artisan producers and indeed a flourishing foodie culture here in Northern Ireland.
“With 2016 being designated the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink there has been no better time to showcase all that is great about local produce. The launch of the first Taste of Ulster range, by Food NI, within the Aelia Duty Free store at Belfast International airport will help both tourists and visitors to discover the great tastes of Northern Ireland.”

Northern Ireland companies featured in the Taste of Ulster Shop at Belfast International Airport

• Abernethy Butter, Dromara – handmade butters
• Ann’s Pantry, Larne – breads and cakes
• Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, Limavady – rapeseed oils
• Eleanor Craig’s Fudge, Larne – handmade fudge
• Eringrove, Enniskillen – jams and chutneys
• Farmview Dairies, Belfast – dairy products including Kearney Blue cheese
• Gracehill Fine Foods, Ballymena – black and white puddings
• Hannan Meats, Moira – beef, bacon and ham
• Harnetts Oils, Waringstown – rapeseed and other culinary oils
• Johnsons Coffee, Lisburn – roasted coffee
• Kennedys Bacon, Omagh – bacon, gammon and ham
• Made with Love, Donaghadee – jams and relishes
• NorthCoast Smokehouse, Ballymena – smoked salmon and condiments
• Our Daily Bread, Belfast –wheaten and soda bread and bread mixes
• Papas Mineral Company, Bangor – traditional Northern Irish minerals
• Passion Preserved, Lisburn – relishes and chutneys
• PopNotch Popcorn, Draperstown – popcorn
• Punjana, Belfast – tea blends
• Suki Teahouse, Belfast – loose leaf tea and fruit infusions
• The Chocolate Manor, Coleraine – chocolates

Several Northern Ireland producers of spirits have been included by Aelia in the duty free. They are:

• Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin– Dunville Irish Whiskey
• Hughes Craft Distillery, Lisburn – RubyBlue Irish Potato Vodka and fruit liqueurs
• Jawbox, Belfast – Gin
• Niche Drinks, Derry – The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey
• Rademon Craft Distillery, Crossgar – Shortcross Gin

Northern Ireland’s leading independent coffee chain, Ground Espresso Bars opened its doors this week to a third Belfast outlet, based in a prime city centre location.
Situated on the corner of Queen’s Street and Wellington Place, this is Ground’s first standalone store in Belfast and has created 20 new employment opportunities. This first expansion project of 2016 involved a £200,000 investment.

The standalone store was designed in a style similar to the new Magherafelt and Bangor outlets, with an on trend industrial finish, state-of-the-art Brew Bar using the new Marco SP9 Brew Stations, and bespoke custom-made espresso machines from Synesso in Seattle. Co-Founder Darren Gardiner discussed the brand’s design process: “Ground are making strides in supporting the development of NI’s coffee scene by continuously investing in research and training to support its progression. We believe innovation in equipment and design are essential for creating an authentic customer experience in today’s marketplace.”

Regional Manager Jonny Ross described the opportunities of another city presence: “Unlike our Belfast concessions in Waterstones and Next Donegal Place, the independent space won’t be restricted in terms of opening hours and interior arrangement. This unit will allow us to engage with our customers in a new and exciting way.”
The coffee chain propelled a series of successful expansion projects in 2015, including new store openings in Magherafelt, Enniskillen, Lisnagelvin, and Bangor. Collectively these outlets have contributed in excess of 70 jobs to their local communities.

Highlighting the company’s growth potential, Director Karen Gardiner said: “Last year, Ground Espresso Bars experienced significant business growth and we are thrilled with the positive reception of all the local communities. We’re looking forward to expanding the Ground team even more this year.” This is the first of many new outlets for this fast growing business.

In 2015, Ground Espresso Bars also announced the opening of outlets in Boucher Road Belfast, Bloomfield Retail Park in Bangor, and New York, USA. It is anticipated that the business will be announcing developments on these projects later this year.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news on this development, visit http://www.groundcoffee.net/

Buchanan’s, the Great Taste Award winning free-range turkey business in Northern Ireland, has launched a range of innovative meat products including lamb burgers and mutton steaks.

The new products, which also include a range of pork sausages with original flavours, and bacon have been developed as part of a diversification project by the farm-based business.

Buchanan’s, based near Kilrea in county Derry, won Great Taste Awards from the UK Guild of Fine Food in 2013 and 2014 for its free-range bronze turkeys.

Jonathan Buchanan, managing director of Buchanan’s, commenting on the new products, says: “While our turkey business has been going well, especially around holiday periods such as Christmas, we saw an opportunity to build on our reputation for quality products and grow the year round business by moving into other meats particularly lamb and pork.

“We’ve named the lamb product a Yo Yo Burger. This is based on the traditional name for a female lamb, known as a Yo, in Northern Ireland. It’s a versatile, convenient and tasty way for consumers to enjoy lamb especially in season.

“The burger is made from lambs finished on our farm in county Derry. We believe the new burgers and pork sausages represent a substantial extension our retail offering. The sausages feature high pork content with different flavourings such as mango and curry along with pork and apple, pork and whole grain mustard and pork and leek.
“The new range also includes our own dry-cured bacon processed without any additives.

“All the products are made on the farm which ensures complete traceability and provenance. The mutton steaks are also attracting attention because of their rich flavour,” he adds.

Buchanan’s Turkey’s is a small family run business dedicated to quality turkey production for the Christmas market.

Jonathan Buchanan is a first-generation farmer who began as a food processor by rearing and developing free-range turkeys in 1990.

The company was awarded two gold stars for its turkey meat in successive years, 2013 and 2014.

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