Special breakfast event to mark Ulster Bank’s sixth year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show

What should go into the ‘Ultimate Ulster Fry’? Ulster Bank and the RUAS might have the answer.

On the menu at a special event this morning (January 23, 2014) in the James Street South restaurant to celebrate the much-loved local breakfast were:

-Sausages from Finnebrogue

-Bacon from Cloughbane Farm

-Mushrooms from Annaghmore Mushrooms

-Eggs from Ready Egg Products

-Homemade soda bread and potato bread made by well-known local chef Paula McIntyre, ingredients supplied by Andrew Ingredients

Accompanied by:

-Punjana tea

-Orange juice from Dale Farm

-Sauces from Harrison’s of Greyabbey

-Dromona butter

The breakfast was arranged by the organisers of the Balmoral Show, the RUAS, and the show’s principal sponsor, Ulster Bank, to kick off the prestigious event’s 2014 calendar.

In attendance were food and drink sector representatives, media and invited guests to sample some of the very best produce from a range of local food and drink sector companies – large and small – who are Ulster Bank clients.

Paula McIntyre, best known for her frequent media appearances, cooked the very special breakfast at the leading restaurant, which was developed in recent years with support from Ulster Bank.

Ellvena Graham, Ulster Bank’s Head of Northern Ireland, says: “Ulster Bank has a long and deep association with the agri-food and drink industries, working closely with many of Northern Ireland’s leading food processors, hundreds of primary producers and many suppliers, distributors and eateries. That association is very important to Ulster Bank, which is why we have organised this morning’s event with the RUAS and why we are continuing to support the Balmoral Show this year, our sixth year of principal sponsorship. 2013 was a fantastic first year at the show’s new home, Balmoral Park, and we very much look forward to building on that success in partnership with the RUAS.”

Colin McDonald, Chief Executive of the RUAS, says: “Northern Ireland should be very proud of the Ulster fry and the agri-food industry and we are delighted to be involved in this morning’s event as we look forward to planning and preparation for the Balmoral Show in the months ahead. We are particularly pleased to mark Ulster Bank’s continuing principal sponsorship, which is invaluable to helping the show go from strength-to-strength.”

Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank Senior Agriculture Manager, adds: “Working with Paula McIntyre, we have carefully selected and prepared a number of ingredients that celebrate and reflect the quality, diversity, and importance of the local food and drink industry. So we have products from well-known large processors who are major employers, excellent medium-sized companies and from highly regarded local producers. We think this is a great way to get the countdown to the 2014 Balmoral Show underway, which is the premier showcase of agri-food and drink in Northern Ireland.”

Ulster Bank has been involved in the Balmoral Show for many years, and became the show’s first ever principal sponsor in 2009. This year’s show will take place from May 14-16 at Balmoral Park and will be Ulster Bank’s sixth year of principal sponsorship.

Further information about the 2014 Balmoral Show is available from: www.balmoralshow.co.uk

Further information about Ulster Bank’s products and services is available from: www.ulsterbank.co.uk

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health NI (CIEH NI) is giving local businesses in the food service sector the opportunity to make considerable financial savings and improve their environmental impact as part of a pilot scheme which will assess key areas of sustainability within the business such as waste, utilities and procurement.

The scheme which is in partnership with Food NI and Pubs of Ulster is supported by the Department of Environment’s Challenge Fund and will see participants receive practical, hands on, tailored advice for their business from a team of specialist advisors with considerable experience in the restaurant sector.

Speaking about the pilot Gary McFarlane, Director CIEH NI said “By identifying and adopting extremely simple solutions, restaurants can save money whilst also reducing their environmental impact, improving their economic performance and profitability and ensuring they stay in business, which has social sustainability benefits. For example, we can help businesses rethink and redesign their food waste arrangements and not only save money but potentially connect them to existing schemes that would see such waste reused and this is just one of the areas that our team of specialists can help with.”

Gordon Harvey, formerly of Botanic Inns will be heading up the practical aspect of the project and wants to encourage everyone within the SME food sector to apply. “We are looking for 15 companies within the food service sector in Northern Ireland to commit to a scheme that will undoubtedly be beneficial for their business. I would encourage anyone who would like to not only make cost reductions within their business but also make a difference to their environmental impact to apply to the scheme in order to receive the support needed to put the necessary steps in place.”

For further information and to apply simply download and complete the application form fromhttp://www.cieh-nireland.org/ and send, complete with payment, to CIEH NI Directorate, Philip House, 123 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AB. The closing date for application is 31^st January 2014.

Oats are widely acclaimed as a superfood boasting numerous health benefits including their high fibre content which eases digestion and helps keep us fuller for longer – so less snacking! In fact compared with other whole grains, oats have one of the highest concentrations of fibre, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. The oat effect extends beyond the physical – oats help to keep us mentally alert too!
The good news is oats don’t just have to be enjoyed at breakfast! They are so versatile and can be incorporated into breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas, not to mention nutritious snacks in between. Local cereal producer White’s Oats has teamed up with popular Ulster chef Paula McIntyre to create a range of delicious recipes using Speedicook Oats which can be enjoyed at home or on the go.

www.whitesoats.co.uk/recipes-a-ideas/lunch-recipes/item/145-cheese-and-onion-stuffed-oat-pancakes

www.whitesoats.co.uk/recipes-a-ideas/other-breakfast-ideas/item/144-oaty-wheaten-cob-with-treacle

www.whitesoats.co.uk/recipes-a-ideas/breakfast-recipes/item/142-blackberry-and-raspberry-granola-bars

www.whitesoats.co.uk/recipes-a-ideas/other-breakfast-ideas/item/143-honey-oat-cookies

The unique taste of beer from Hilden Brewery is set to break into new export markets in the coming 12 months.

The planned expansion into markets as far afield as Canada, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Baltic Region is expected to lead to the creation of at least three more fulltime jobs at Ireland’s longest established independent brewery.

And in 2015 the family owned business will see its export targets fixed on breaking into the vast potential of China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Seamus Scullion, who along with his wife Ann, founded the company in 1981 has seen his passion for craft brewing transform Hilden Brewery into a brand with an international quality reputation.

He stressed that the commitment of Hilden Brewery continues to be one of bringing the craft beer experience to an increasingly diverse range of customers.

“Our market research shows there is a growing taste for our products across all age groups and backgrounds. Genuine craft beers, for example, have a brand image that is increasingly attractive to young professional women.

“That greater awareness of what craft beers have to offer will be demonstrated at the 30th anniversary of the Hilden Beer and Music Festival next August. People from all ages and backgrounds will have an opportunity to tap into a truly different taste experience.”

The qualities of the wide range of beers and ales produced by Hilden Brewery has been underlined by the company seeing off competition from over 130 rival craft brewers.

By winning the top prize at the International Craft Brewing and Distilling Convention in Dublin Hilden Brewery’s Twisted Hop brand came out on top against rivals from across the UK, Europe and the North America.

The company now plans to build on that success with the creation of additional facilities as part of a wider development project at the Hilden site just outside Lisburn.

It will include the company setting up its own state of the art bottling plant in order to cope with a doubling in maximum brewing capacity from 7,000 hectolitres to 14,000 hectolitres.

In the coming 12 months the Hilden Brewery complex will also be expanded to include a new business administration block, a tasting hall which will be part of organized tours of the brewery and a gift shop.

News of the brewery’s export drive and its plans to invest in new technology techniques was given at a special reception held by the Mayor of Lisburn.

Councillor Margaret Tollerton praised Hilden Brewery for contribution it has made to the economic and tourism life of the city over the last three decades.

And the Chair of Stormont’s All Party Group for Small Business, Judith Cochrane MLA, has described the achievement of Hilden Brewery as “an inspiration.”

“By showcasing successful local businesses such as Hilden Brewery it acts as the platform for other small and medium sized organization to also maximise their full potential.

“Hilden Brewery is a superb example of a niche market company that has proved how a vision can be transformed into a business that continues to grow and evolve,” she added.