Two artisan food companies from Northern Ireland, both Food NI members, are confident of new exports to the US from participation in a trade mission to New York City that included participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show, one of the biggest trade events there.

PEPPUP authentic Italian sauces from Newtownards and Portrush’s Irish Black Butter were Northern Ireland’s representatives on the UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT) mission to New York. The companies took part in the show and then met potential customers and others at a series of events and briefings organised by the UK diplomats in the city.

Taking part in the important trade trip were Luca and Liz Montorio, the husband and wife team behind PEPPUP, a small enterprise that has developed a range of Italian style gourmet sauces, Bolognese dips and ketchups. Business in the US would be a first for the company that was founded in May 2015 by Luca, an Italian native and nutritionist, in the family home in Portaferry, Co Down. The enterprise subsequently moved to a warehouse in Newtownards.

Liz, commenting on the NYC trade trip, says: “It was an immensely encouraging and significant trip. While it’s early days, visitors to the stand at the Summer Fancy Food Show understood the unique selling points of our Italian sauces and other products such as being fat free, free from allergens, with no added sugar and no onions,” explains Liz.

“Many of the visitors who tasted the products described them as the best for taste. Retailers, clubs and distributors liked our products a lot and hopefully the first order will come soon.

“We’ve still a lot of work to do, of course, especially in terms of following up the many expressions of interest. Overall, Fancy Food was a very worthwhile show. We learned a great deal from the visitors to the stand and the DBT team in New York, We greatly appreciate their advice and support throughout the trip,” adds Liz.

Taking part in Summer Fancy Food gave Alastair Bell, the much travelled entrepreneur behind Irish Black Butter, the opportunity to make important contacts in NYC. The small company has business already in the Boston area and most recently in Dallas, the latter the outcome of his participation in an earlier DBT business mission this year.

Alastair heard recently that his sweet/savoury sauce made from Armagh Bramley apples and spices has now been listed by the World Duty Free at George Best Belfast City Airport. “Gaining a listing there in the impressive duty free store was a tremendous boost as I headed to London and the mission to NYC,” says Alastair. “Irish Black Butter is now on the shelves in duty frees in both Belfast airports and Dublin,” he adds.

“The Summer Fancy Food Show was a tremendous experience,” continues Alastair. “It was massive. I met a number of existing customers from NYC, Boston and Texas and had opportunities to discuss new business prospects. My programme included sampling Irish Black Butter on the stand hosted by Chelsea Market Baskets in New York. DBT did a marvellous job in supporting us by hosting business breakfasts and other events for key food buyers including an excellent meeting at the home of the British diplomat in the city,” he adds.

Organised by the US Speciality Food Association, the Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food fair in North America, and it was first organised in 1955. The name ‘Fancy Food’ emphasizes the show’s focus on exquisite and refined foods, representing a range of food products known for their quality, taste, and uniqueness. The fair takes place annually at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York, typically during the summer months.

The Specialty Food Association, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting and recognizing specialty foods and their producers, serves as the event organiser.

The wide range of products and services presented at the show includes a variety of specialty foods and beverages. These encompass new products, imported and domestic specialties, exotic ingredients, and gourmet foods.

The show provides a platform for professionals in the food industry to network, conduct business, and draw inspiration from new ideas and cooking techniques. This is facilitated through cooking seminars, tastings, and cooking demonstrations.

A special highlight of the fair are the award ceremonies in various categories that take place during the event. The fair attracts a broad audience, including retailers, restaurateurs, food manufacturers, specialty dealers, and other professionals from the food industry.

Northern Ireland food and drink companies rarely take part in this important trade event. DBT has been focused on building business links between Northern Ireland and the US.

Date/Time: Saturday 10th August @ 7:30pm (doors open 7pm)
Cost: £40 per person

If you are going to experience a Professional Magician, you better hope it’s Caolan McBride. Caolan has toured extensively across America performing magic in theatres all the way from New York to Las Vegas and everywhere in between. He performs at high-end private parties and works closely with some of The UK’s top companies to create bespoke magic performances for their businesses. Award-winning Long Meadow Cider are delighted to have secured Caolan for this exclusive, one-off night of world class magic.

What can you expect? Expert magic, mind reading and comedy in an evening show delivered with Caolan’s natural blend of charm, sharp wit, and unmatched skill. All while you sip and savour the natural blends of Long Meadow Cider. Let Caolan create magic and make objects disappear while you do your own magic and make the delicious cider disappear!

Your ticket gives you entry to The Bramley Barn, Armagh’s best kept secret. An exclusive, private venue nestled within the orchards of Long Meadow Farm. An already magical setting for a truly magical evening accompanied with Tapas style dining by The Flavoursmyth catering. Indulge in a selection of mini-Dexter beef burgers, buttermilk chicken, pulled pork tacos and BBQ ribs.

Cider and cider cocktails available to purchase throughout the evening.

Please make us aware of any food allergies.

Tickets are non-refundable.

This event is for over 18’s only.

https://www.longmeadowcider.com/product/enchanted-evenings-magic-cider-tapas-delights/

Ireland’s oldest ice cream producer, Morelli’s Ice Cream, is celebrating winning the ‘Best Vanilla’ award at the National Ice Cream Championships by unveiling new, limited-edition purple cones.

Morelli’s Double Cream Vanilla was voted number one in the ‘Best Vanilla’ category at one of the world’s most prestigious ice cream awards ceremonies. The awards, which took place in February, are run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the trade body for the UK’s £1.4bn ice cream industry.

To celebrate the victory, Morelli’s has launched limited-edition purple cones, the iconic colour of the 113-year-old ice-cream brand. The purple cones are vanilla flavoured, and the colouring is made with 100% natural ingredients.

The celebratory cones will be available for customers in selected stores for a limited time only.

“We’re so pleased to have won ‘Best Vanilla’ in this year’s ICA National Ice Cream Championships,” said Daniela Morelli, Sales and Marketing Manager at Morelli’s Ice Cream. “Our iconic Double Cream Vanilla is a timeless favourite for our customers young and old, and we’re proud it’s getting the recognition it deserves. We’re just as excited to launch our limited-edition purple cones to celebrate. Come on in and try a scoop of our award-winning vanilla in a purple cone, while stocks last!”

The full list of this year’s winners can be found at www.ice-cream.org/ and a wide range of the award-winning products are available to buy in delis, farm shops and independent retailers across the country. 

Alongside the launch of the purple cones, Morelli’s is running a competition on social media for fans of the brand to win an at-home ice cream kit. The kit will include family tubs of the award-winning Double Cream Vanilla, Honeycomb, Raspberry Ripple, Salted Caramel and Belgian Chocolate Chip, as well as the limited-edition purple cones and a variety of toppings. To enter, head to the Morelli’s Instagram.

Morelli’s Ice Cream, Ireland’s oldest ice cream producer, was established in 1911 by Peter Morelli. Since then, the brand has flourished and expanded. The company currently has five family-run outlets and eleven branded stores in Northern Ireland as well as supplying Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Sainsbury’s and various independent retailers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.

For more information about Morelli’s Ice Cream visit www.morellisices.com or on the brand’s social media – Facebook, Instagram and X.

• 
  Colin Ferguson has been appointed Head of Sales
• Ronan McLaughlin has been appointed New Product Development Manager
• Deborah Templeton has been appointed Commercial Coordinator

White’s Oats, Ireland’s largest oat miller and oat cereal producer has made a number of key appointments as the company grows its commercial sales and product development team in line with its long-term growth strategy and against the continued rise in wholesome non-processed oat-based products that is being witnessed across the UK and Ireland and many export markets in which White’s operates.

Colin Ferguson has been appointed into a new position of Head of Sales. Deborah Templeton has been promoted within the business to Commercial Coordinator with further food and drink industry experience coming from the new appointment of Ronan Mc Laughlin as New Product Development (NPD) Manager.

Speaking on the appointments, James Mathers, Managing Director, White’s Oats, said:

“I am delighted to welcome all three to the White’s Team. The knowledge and expertise that Colin, Ronan and Deborah will bring to their respective roles will be invaluable as we work to deliver on our future growth ambitions right across the business.”

Previously Head of Sales at Mackle’s Pet Foods, Colin has over 38 years’ sales and commercial experience in human and animal nutrition. As a member of the senior management team, Colin will play a vital role in driving sustainable business growth across the island of Ireland with White’s strategic customers while continuing to build relationships with a wide range of customers both locally and internationally. His role will also involve exploring new business opportunities across White’s key markets and channels.

As demand and popularity for oats and innovation in oat-based products continues to grow amidst consumer’s interest in health, wellness and sustainability, Ronan will have responsibility for the creation, development and launch of new and novel products for the market. With over 20 years food development and culinary experience, Ronan will work closely with the marketing team to identify, develop concepts and fulfil market opportunities suitable for both Irish and UK retailers as well as end consumers.

Since his appointment, Ronan has overseen the launch of ActivOat High in Protein Porridge adding to White’s existing instant porridge range and is currently exploring a range of new product concepts for launch autumn and winter 2024.

Deborah Templeton joins the commercial team in her role as Commercial Coordinator. Deborah, who has been with the company for close on 10 years, brings a wealth of customer and supply chain experience and White’s knowhow to the team. She will work closely with the sales and marketing team to help manage and support new business leads and promote business growth and development with a focus on exporting.

“These recent appointments come at an exciting time for the company as we invest in new capacity and capabilities in line with increasing customer and consumer demand. The experience and talent that we have coming through in White’s will not only strengthen the team but provide a sustainable platform for the company to further grow and innovate with our customers across Ireland, UK and further afield.” Mr Mathers continued.

Holiday makers and other travellers at airports across the UK will now be able to purchase an Innovative Irish whiskey brand Two Stacks from Newry as a result of a collaboration with Avolta’s World Duty Free stores.

Food NI member Two Stacks’ ‘The Blenders Cut – Cask Strength’ and Double-Distilled Peated Malt are being showcased in World Duty Free stores located in 26 UK airports.

The partnership marks another step in the Co Down whiskey maker’s expansion in travel retail, offering unique and complex cask-strength whiskeys and carefully crafted peated malts to UK travellers.

To celebrate this collaboration, Two Stacks will be running weekly tastings at various UK airports for travellers to sample and appreciate the whiskeys.

Two Stacks also strengthens World Duty Free’s extensive portfolio of premium Irish whiskey brands.

Two Stacks Irish Whiskey chief executive Shane McCarthy says “This is a big moment, not just for Two Stacks but for the entire Irish whiskey category within the World Duty Free space. We are excited to offer travellers complex cask-strength whiskeys and exquisite Double Distilled Peated Malts.

“Expanding this category has been one of our major ambitions, and just over three years later we have achieved our biggest-ever listing.

“A special thank you to SipWell Brands for their invaluable assistance in making this partnership possible. If you are passing through one of the many UK airports this summer, take advantage of the weekly tastings we will be hosting and embrace the moment when Irish Whiskey choice in duty free got a little bit wider,” he adds.

Aisha Dad, Avolta’s category manager for liquor in the UK, adds: “We are delighted to partner with Two Stacks to showcase their two key expressions to travellers visiting our World Duty Free stores across the UK. 

“The many airport tastings we have planned will give customers the opportunity to discover and appreciate both the Blender’s Cut Cask Strength, and the Double Barrel Single Malt.”

FINNEBROGUE MAKES HISTORY: ONLY NI FOOD PRODUCER TO WIN A GROCER GOLD AWARD, NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE!

Finnebrogue has been named the inaugural ‘Employer of the Year (Supplier)’ at the 2024 Grocer Gold Awards, held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. This prestigious accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding performance, innovation, and excellence, places Finnebrogue in esteemed company, having triumphed over competitors such as Arla, Glanbia, Heck, and Heul.

Hosted by Myleene Klass, the glittering ceremony celebrated 34 winners, with Sainsbury’s securing the ultimate Grocer of the Year award. Finnebrogue’s win is particularly noteworthy as it is the only food producer from Northern Ireland to receive this honour, building on its previous Grocer Gold win in 2022 for Sustainability Initiative of the Year, in partnership with Waitrose.

CHRIS OVEREND, FINNEBROGUE’S HEAD OF HR, EXPRESSED HIS PRIDE IN THE COMPANY’S ACHIEVEMENT:

“This award underscores the transformative journey Finnebrogue has embarked upon over the last two years with our renewed People Strategy. It has become an industry benchmark, following accolades at the Irish News Workplace Awards for ‘Best Place to Work’, and ‘Best Wellbeing in the Workplace’ for two years in a row.”

Finnebrogue’s People Strategy is distinguished by its comprehensive career pathways and development opportunities, emphasising talent development and personal wellbeing.

Key highlights of Finnebrogue’s journey include:

• Academic and Professional Development: Collaborations with Queen’s University Belfast and other professional bodies have enriched employee development, offering academic qualifications and professional certifications aligned with industry demands. The Executive Future Leadership Programme with Toward Ltd is nurturing Finnebrogue’s next generation of leaders.
• Diversity in Leadership: The appointment of Bev Mitchell as Chief Commercial Officer marks a milestone in promoting diversity, being the first female executive member at Finnebrogue.
• Returners Programme: Launched in mid-2023, this initiative supports individuals re-entering the workforce with phased returns and mentorship, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Ability Programme: Currently in development, this initiative collaborates with charities to create employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.
• Employee Voice through the Finnebrogue Forum: Launched in late 2023, this forum empowers employees to influence business decisions through elected representatives.
• Mental Health Support: Since early 2023, Finnebrogue has partnered with Insula Wellbeing to provide on-site mental health support, including confidential 1-2-1 counselling for employees on day and night shift.
• Community Engagement: Finnebrogue’s commitment of support extends to local schools and community groups, while also fostering talent development and future workforce growth through learning and development initiatives.
• Wellbeing Hub: The establishment of the Wellbeing and Development Hub has created a dynamic space for training, mentoring, and wellbeing activities, embodying Finnebrogue’s holistic approach to employee development.

These initiatives have culminated in Finnebrogue achieving Diversity Mark Accreditation in early 2024, making it the first UK food producer to receive such recognition.

CHRIS OVEREND, CONCLUDED:

“Winning Employer of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards is a testament to our steadfast commitment to our people. Our focus on development, diversity, and wellbeing sets a standard for excellence in the industry. This award is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a motivation to push further in creating innovative, supportive, and inclusive workplace practices that will drive our future success.”

For more information about Finnebrogue and its award-winning People Strategy, visit www.finnebrogue.com