Food NI Members Succeed at Prestigious UK Quality Awards

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White’s Oats in Tandragee and LoadaBalls from Belfast, both Food NI members,
have won major awards in the influential finals of the UK Quality Food Awards 2025,
the longest-running and most prestigious challenge in the nation’s buoyant food
industry. 

White’s, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, gained two silver medals in
two individual categories – Cereals and Porridge with Berry and Seed Porridge Oats
and for its Oaty Bar in Snacks.

An artisan family business, LoadaBalls won gold for its white chocolate, peanut and
cereal protein bar and bronze medals for white chocolate and caramelised biscuit
protein ball and for its white chocolate and caramel protein ball.
The company’s products feature natural ingredients such as
peanut butter, almond butter, pure honey, coconut and mixed nuts.

LoadaBalls spans three generations (John, Johnny, Curtis).

Product flavours include Biscoff, Rolo, White Biscoff, Snickers, Bounty, Reese’s
Pieces. Ferrero, Ruffles and Rocky Road. It operates online and in local markets like
St. George’s Market, as well as B2C, wholesale, coffee shops, and supermarkets.

The awards were presented at a colourful event which provided unrivalled
networking opportunities across the industry, drawing more than 350 senior leaders
shaping the UK food industry. In addition, it provided business growth opportunities
with top retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and influencers.

As well as celebrating excellence in the food industry, the gala evening showcases
the UK’s most innovative food and drink products and the people behind them.

Food NI’s Irish Black Butter Wins Top Ireland Award

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Irish Black Butter, a hugely successful spread that’s made from Armagh Bramley
apples and spices, has been named Savoury Product of the Year 2025 in the
influential Good Food Ireland Awards.

Food NI member, Alastair Bell, the owner and founder of Irish Black Butter in 2017,
is understandably “thrilled” to receive the award at a gala event in the K Club Hotel
and Resort in Kildare.

The product is now regarded as a versatile taste of Ireland that’s perfect for pairing
with cheeses and charcuterie; glazing meats; adding depth to sauces; and spreading
on toast, pastries, or desserts including ice cream,” according to Alastair. He’s also
created a salted caramel sauce with Irish Black Butter.

Irish Black Butter is among the most ‘decorated’ food artisans for quality and taste.

The Good Food Ireland Awards celebrate the best in Irish food, drink and hospitality
from across the entire island of Ireland. In partnership with FBD Insurance for the
second consecutive year, the prestigious awards honour the people and places that
champion authentic Irish taste, local sourcing, sustainability and exceptional visitor
experiences.

From artisan producers and family-run farm shops to luxury hotels and coastal cafés,
the Good Food Ireland Awards shine a light on the businesses that make Ireland’s
food culture world-class, while driving real economic impact across rural
communities, North and South.

Other Northern Ireland successes were Fish City, Belfast for the Restaurant
Sustainability Award and Underground Dining in Bangor for Northern Ireland food
lovers’ restaurant choice.

Abernethy Butter’s Fame for Outstanding Taste and Quality Spreads in Britain

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Abernethy Butter, now based in Craigavon, has been named among Britain’s very
best foods in a major annual awards.

The artisan producer of gourmet butters, a FoodNI member, has been chosen as the
regional winner for Northern Ireland in the awards judged by an experienced food
and drink experts in the annual Great British Food Awards.

The company, which was acquired by Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats of Moira, a
great champion of local artisan foods, last year, was recognised for its “dedication to
sustainability, local sourcing, and the production of high-quality artisan butter” in the
prestigious food and drink awards. 

Abernethy’s Paul Clarke says: “This is a marvellous endorsement of the quality and
taste for our butters in one of our most significant markets and should assist as we
seek to grow sales there in the years ahead.”

The judges highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and its dedicated
support of local dairying. It uses milk exclusively from local farms. The company won
the award for its unique cep miso butter, a softened butter with miso paste, a
traditional Japanese fermented soybean paste, also a UK Great Taste winner.

The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the very best
artisanal produce in the food and drink industry, from flavoured gins and high-quality
sausages to artisan breads and undeniably good cheeses.

It aims to highlight the very best the United Kingdom has to offer and give producers
the chance to stand out from the crowd. The judging panel comprises some of the
most acclaimed chefs, food critics and influencers in the country, and each product
undergoes a rigorous judging process before the winners are crowned.

The small company is known for its artisan, slow-churned butter made using high-
quality Co Down cream and handcrafted techniques.

Other winners include a gold award for Burren Balsamics of Richhill, Co Armagh.

Armagh Porridge Maker Creating a Stir at Top UK Food Awards

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White’s Oats in Tandragee, a FoodNI member, is in the running for two major
awards on Wednesday in the influential finals of the UK Quality Food Awards, the
longest-running, most prestigious challenge in the nation’s buoyant food industry. 
The Armagh oat miller is the only local company featuring in the vent which
celebrates the best quality food products on offer here in the UK. This is a fantastic
opportunity to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners, and network with the
industry’s most influential retailers, producers, wholesalers, distributers and more.
White’s, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, has three products
shortlisted in two individual categories – two in Cereals and Porridge with Berry and
Seed Porridge Oats and Kavanagh’s Porridge Oats Golden Syrup produced by Aldi.
The third product is White’s most recently introduced Oat Bar which is shortlisted in
Snacks.
Danielle McBride, marketing manager of White’s Oats, says “We are absolutely
delighted to be shortlisted in the UK Quality Awards. This represents a major
endorsement of our products in a key marketplace..”
Hosting the event on Wednesday evening in London’s Bankside Hillton will be
distinguished chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt. Tebbutt is a British chef and
television food presenter best known for hosting the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. He has
also presented Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, Drop Down Menu and the Good Food
Channel’s Market Kitchen.
The colourful event provides unrivalled networking opportunities across the industry,
drawing more than 350 senior leaders shaping the UK food industry. In addition, it
provides business growth opportunities with top retailers, manufacturers, suppliers
and influencers.
As well as celebrating excellence in the food industry, the gala evening showcases
the UK’s most innovative food and drink products and the people behind them.

The prestigious UK short listings coincide with the company’s launch of two new
premium ranges made from 100 percent Irish oats: High Protein Oats and Real Fruit
Porridge.
Well known for its multi-award-winning porridge oats, instant oats, and granolas, the
latest innovations underscore White’s continued investment in developing oat-based
products that combine nutritional benefits with taste and flavour.

Suki Aims to Drive Business Growth by Investing in Novel Tea Club

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FoodNI member Suki Tea Makers in Lisburn has always been about more than tea.
From the very beginning the artisan tea blenders set out to be different and
innovative in a fiercely competitive global marketplace.

Suki’s strategic focus has long been in doing everything better for its existing and
potential customers, better for the growers it partners with, and better for the planet,
according to Oscar Woolley, founder of the teas blending business with Anne Irwin
back in 2005 in Belfast. For instance, Suki is one of a small group of companies here
to achieve B Corp accreditation for its support of the environment and especially its
success in eliminating plastic from its products.
“That’s why 2025 has been such a milestone year for us,” continues Oscar, who’s
originally from Nottingham. “Not only did we celebrate 20 Years of Suki and
achieve B Corp certification for the strength of our commitment to the environment
and society, we also launched a refreshed brand identity that we felt more accurately
reflected the creativity and passion of our ethos to do better. We unveiled a new look
that’s bolder, brighter, and more creative than before,” he adds.
“Building on the manufacturing improvements brought by our investment in a
purpose-build ‘Tea Factory’ in Lisburn, which opened in 2023, we have simplified our
packaging, removed unnecessary plastics, and committed to fully compostable
packs.
“Despite these changes, the heart of Suki hasn’t changed. We’re still about creativity,
honest flavour, and making decisions that make us (and hopefully customers) smile.
It’s all for the love of tea, and we’re dedicated to moving meaningfully forward,
always looking for new ways to share joy and discovery in every cuppa,” he
continues.
Oscar decided to move to Belfast after falling in love with the city during a
backpacking trip from England. He also met his future wife, Samantha, in the city
and subsequently married at a traditional ceremony in Japan.
This latest stage in Suki’s remarkably successful journey, which has included
exporting to Europe and even as far as Japan, is a development which excites him.
“Now, we’re excited to announce something that encapsulates that spirit of Suki ‘to a
T’ (no pun intended!) – the Suki Tea Club. Tea has always been about discovery.
Whether it’s the first time you try a comforting Belfast Breakfast Brew blend, or the
thrill of finding a whole new blend you never expected to love, there’s magic in that
moment of connection,” he says.

He explains that the new Tea Club subscription is “designed to capture that feeling
and encourage even more moments of connection”. “Each box will come with four
different teas, enough for a cup every day of the month. It will be delivered straight to
letterboxes of subscribers everywhere.”
Sometimes, he explains, it could be a familiar favourite like Suki’s signature and
multi-award-winning Belfast Brew or punchy Red Berry. “Sometimes it will surprise –
but it will always be delicious, sustainable, and distinctly Suki,” he says.
Each box will come with a video from Oscar, guiding you through the tasting
notes, origins, and inspiration behind each blend. Members of the Tea Club will also
get access to exclusive discounts and surprises throughout the year!
“We’ve travelled to the far flung reaches of the tea growing world to bring customers
a selection that is carefully curated to encourage exploration, experience, and
enjoyment.
“At Suki, we take pride in sourcing the finest tea leaves and botanicals from across
the globe. With our meticulous attention to detail, each cup of tea delivers full flavour
and aroma, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.
“Our unwavering commitment to Fair Trade sourcing ensures that tea farmers
receive fair wages while safeguarding the environment. Customers can Indulge in
the best tea with a clear conscience! “

With options for a one-off box, and monthly or annual subscriptions, the new club is
“perfect for those looking to treat themselves to a new adventure: Tea isn’t just a
drink, it’s a journey. From our partner growers across the world to the cups of
customers and subscribers, the Tea Club is about inviting people along on that
journey, giving them a chance to try something new, rediscover old favourites, and
connect with the stories behind each blend. It’s about making exploration easy, fun,
and sustainable.”
“We’ve always said that: “if it makes us smile, we’ll back it.” That’s how Suki started –
at a wobbly table top in St. George’s Victorian Market in Belfast city in 2005, and it’s
still how we make decisions about our teas and products today.
“The Suki Tea Club is one of those ideas that made us smile from the very
beginning, and we can’t wait to keep sharing this journey with customers – one
bright, bold, flavourful cuppa at a time.”
Oscar has recently returned from a lengthy trip to meet suppliers and customers in
Japan, where it has been supplying tea shops over many years.
The innovation-led business also recently relaunched a classic flavour for the festive
season – fruity Mince Pies that are captured in “a delicious blend that’s spicy, figgy
and fruit-filled”.

Classic British Sausage Crafted in Co Down is a Tasty Award-Winner

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One of Britain’s most popular sausages is crafted in Co Down by Finnebrogue,
among the most innovative and successful food producers in the UK.

Based around Downpatrick, Finnebrogue, a Food NI member and now a major
supplier of sausages and other meat products to virtually all the leading
supermarkets, was named ‘Best in Britain’ for its tasty Cumberlands for ASDA during
the annual British Sausage Week.

Cumberland sausage is a pork sausage that originated in the historic county of
Cumberland, England, ceremonially part of Cumbria. It is traditionally very long, up to
50 centimetres, and sold rolled in a flat, circular coil, but within western Cumbria, it is
more often served on long, curved lengths. Finnebrogue’s award-winning
Cumberlands were sold in six packs for convenience by ASDA.

The awards, organised by the industry’s Meat Management magazine, were
presented at a special celebration luncheon attended by butchers, retailers,
supermarkets, manufacturers and foodservice, all involved in the annual competition
or simply wishing to be part of the event.

Best known for its highly innovative and award-winning nitrite-free Naked bacon and
ham products, Finnebrogue, in addition, has been shortlisted for a major title in the
annual `UK Meat Management Excellence Awards. Other local producers in the
awards are Dunbia (UK), Dungannon and Crust and Crumb Bakery in Fermanagh.

Sausages, of course, are a much-loved staple food, enjoyed by millions and vital to
the UK meat industry. UK Sausage Week – the biggest annual event celebrating one
of Britain’s most-loved foods – shines a spotlight on producers and retailers across
the country, boosting awareness and sales during the key autumn period.

Finnebrogue has been crafting ‘Exceptional’ ASDA sausages for many years —
“combining passion, innovation, and dedication to quality in every bite”.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be awarded Best Cumberland Sausage during UK
Sausage Week 2025. The Cumberland is a true British classic, loved by households
up and down the country, so to have our recipe recognised as the best is absolutely
fantastic,” says Finnebogue’s John Cowen.