The Moy Park brand is growing its product offering in Asda through a new supply deal, which will see 10 new lines stocked in the supermarket retailer’s stores across Northern Ireland.

The new lines include primary and coated products, such as mega goujons, southern fried thighs and drumsticks and garlic and herb kiev’s – as well as chicken drumsticks and diced chicken breast fillet.

Moy Park, a Food NI member, is the number one chicken brand in Ireland and this contract gives the Asda shopper more meal solutions for their family.

Elizabeth Adair, commercial executive at Moy Park, said: “We are delighted to add 10 more of our delicious Moy Park chicken products to Asda shelves. From our locally farmed fresh chicken and classic breaded range of kiev’s and goujons to our primary added value range – we have something to suit every Asda shopper.

“As a business, we take great pride in providing fresh, locally sourced poultry for families across the country, so to extend our range in Asda stores across Northern Ireland is something we are very proud of.”

Cathy Elliott, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local, added: “Not only does Asda as a business love to support local suppliers but our customers do too – Asda shoppers always try and buy local products, knowing they are supporting Northern Irish businesses whilst enjoying great quality produce.

“We have built a strong relationship with Moy Park since we introduced Moy Park branded chicken products to Asda shelves last summer and we are sure these new lines will quickly become staples in our customers’ baskets.”

The new range of Moy Park branded products are available across all 16 NI Asda stores now.

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Cathy Elliott, Asda’s buying manager for NI Local with Elizabeth Adair, commercial executive at Moy Park

Multi-award winning Mourne Dew Distillery in Warrenpoint, Co Down, maker of the successful and award winning Kilbroney and Rostrevor gins and the Pooka range of poitins, has won gold for its single malt whiskey.

The small distillery gained the influential recognition for its unique whiskey in the prestigious International Wines and Spirits Competition, an annual celebration of the world’s best spirits.

The company, the first legal distillery in the Mourne Mountains for centuries, produces its single malt and blended whiskeys using barley, wheat and rye spirits matured in a combination of virgin oak and bourbon oak casks.

Head distiller and blender Donal Farrell, says: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for premium quality in the prestigious awards. The release of our first two Mourne Dew whiskeys represented the culmination of over six years of research into flavour development and maturation techniques for both poitins and whiskeys. 

“Whilst our distillery has only been in operation for five years, the research and development behind our products started back in 2014. We have spent years working on flavour development methods and have also invested heavily in vacuum distillation processes which allow us to produce a whole range of delicate flavours not achievable with conventional methods.

 The company, a Food NI member, has a triple distilled Irish whiskey, blended from malted barley and grain spirit. The spirit has been matured in a mixture of virgin oak and bourbon casks and contains a small percentage of rye and peated malt to give added complexity and richness to the liquor,” he adds.

The single malt Irish whiskey has been matured in bourbon casks and finished in IPA casks. “This whiskey is exceptionally round and smooth with a well-balanced peaty flavour. It has a rich malty flavour that lingers on the palate in a most excellent way,” Mr Farrell continues.

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Winner: Mourne Dew’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey from Warrenpoint

Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the launch of its Kick Start Supplier Development Programme for 2022, welcoming applications from artisan producers across the region keen to grow their brand, build their supply network and reach more consumers.

Launching the ground-breaking programme for a fifth consecutive year, Lidl Northern Ireland also confirmed that it has signed an annual supply deal worth £340,000 with Holywood, Co Down-based spicy meat maker Hellbent, a Food member, to supply its succulent Chakalaka Boerewors to all Lidl stores within the island of Ireland on a permanent basis and for a limited summer promotion in UK stores.

The brainchild of South African-born Ulster Rugby aces Louis Ludik and Schalk Van der Merwe, Hellbent secured a coveted place on Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kick Start programme only last year.

Proving a big hit with shoppers at Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer, Hellbent has grown exponentially since then and this latest deal with Lidl Northern Ireland will help propel its success even further.

Hellbent’s eye-catching products combine a delicious fusion of South African flavours quality Irish meat produce, creating a new taste sensation that pays homage to both countries and cultures.

Featuring a tasty line-up of beef and pork products, Hellbent benefited from a range of in-store promotions across 215 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland as part of last year’s Kick Start programme, proudly showcasing its Original and Chakalaka Boerewors spiced using traditional farmhouse seasoning, Hellbent Burgers, Black & White Pudding as well as seasonal festive Cranberry & Feta Sausages.

Speaking about the launch of the new 2022 Kick Start programme, Hellbent’s Louis Ludik said: “The Lidl Northern Ireland Kick Start programme has been an incredible boost for our business.

“It’s a great way for any small business to get a taste of what it takes to supply a major retailer. The programme supported us at every level – from help to upscale production and meet larger orders, to marketing and business management support and of course enabling us to reach more customers than ever with our products.

“Our full range of products were made available on limited promotion across all 215 Lidl stores within the island of Ireland which really opened up our customer base and allowed us to grow our brand into new markets. It was a very proud moment for us to go into our local Lidl Northern Ireland store and see our products rubbing shoulders with some of the bigger brand names and amazing local suppliers.

“It’s incredible to think that just 12 months later, we’ve now secured a permanent listing with our Chakalaka Boerewors – one of our most popular products. It’s an exciting time for us and we’re ‘hellbent’ on growing our business with Lidl Northern Ireland.

I would encourage any local producers in the region to apply for the Kick Start programme. Whether you need help growing your business, or if you need support in breaking into the supermarket category, or simply want to boost your export potential, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kick Start programme has it all”, said Louis.

The Lidl Northern Ireland Kick Start programme is designed to help small and medium-sized local food and drink producers grow their brand, build their supply network and reach new customer audiences, upping their potential to open up new export opportunities.

Saturday 9 April Sustainable Food Day at Hillsborough Castle featuring sustainable producers (Mrs R’ganics, Ballylisk Dairies, Spontaeous Deuce, Long Meadow Cider, and Crawford’s Rock Seaweed), talks (3) and demos (3).

The duration of the tours and demos will be 15 – 30 mins. The themes will be sustainable and regenerative foods e.g. no dig planting, importance of bees in pollination.

The garden talks – Growing Green – will take place in the Walled Garden at 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm.  These talks are free but normal garden admissions will apply.

The food talks – Foraged Food – will take place on the terrace at 12noon, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.  Free to all.

An event to connect tourists/visitors to sustainable food and regenerative skills.

Book tickets to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens at:  www.hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-Castle

Food NI member Old Bushmills has been named among the 10 Best Irish Whiskeys by the influential Good Housekeeping Institute. The Co Antrim distillery’s 10-year-old single malt was named at number five as the ‘Best with a Splash of Water’ in the prestigious list.

The list, compiled by an expert panel, also included another whiskey distilled at Bushmills – The Sexton Irish Single Malt – at number four and the ‘Best for Burnt Sugars’.

The Sexton was developed by master distiller Alex Thomas at Bushmills. Alex is now master distiller at Old Bushmills in succession to Helen Mulholland. Both brands are now looked after by Proximo in New York, one of the world’s biggest marketing agencies in beverages. While Proximo owns The Sexton, now the biggest selling Irish single malt in the US, Old Bushmills is owned by Tequila leader Jose Cuervo of Mexico.

“Good Housekeeping explains: “Created by one of a few female master blenders in the industry, Alex Thomas, The Sexton uses only unpeated Irish malted barley in the mash bill, resulting in pure malt flavour – expect a nutty, malty character.

“Copper pot distilled for smoothness, and aged in a former Oloroso sherry cask from Jerez, Spain, you’ll also find dried pineapple, candied orange and lemon peel, some cloves and nutmeg, and a little burnt sugar. Try it in an Old Fashioned cocktail.”

Old Bushmills 10-year-old single malt featured “delicate fruit flavours” which “truly opens up with a dash of water. You’ll find a little vanilla, some citrus and warming spice, as well as a little wood, alongside some ripe apple”.

Good Housekeeping says Irish whiskey is known for its lighter, fruity style. “Most, though not all, Irish whiskey is triple distilled, giving the liquid its distinctive and characteristic smoothness. You will find a smaller number of double distilled Irish whiskeys, and even a few peated options,” it continues.

“There are a few distinct styles within Irish whiskey to look out for. Irish malt whiskey is made from malted barley, while single malt must be produced by a single distillery. Grain whiskey – much lighter in taste and often with some floral notes – is made using a mix of malted barley and other grains and produced using a column still.

“Unique to Ireland, Irish pot still whiskey uses a mix of both malted and unmalted barley, while distillers can also add a limited amount of other grains. Rich and bold, as the name suggests, they must be produced in a pot still. And finally blended – which accounts for the vast majority of Irish whiskey – combines at least two of these styles.

“All must be aged for a minimum of three years in wood, and of course, must be produced in Ireland. Though ageing in bourbon barrels is common, look out for sherry and rum casks among others, as well as double-charred casks.

“Taste-wise, characteristics to look out for include, yes, that trademark smoothness. But you’ll also find bright, fruity and sometimes floral notes – particularly with grain whiskies – while the barrel ageing helps impart a little caramel or butterscotch, and of course, a little wood. Look for longer aged whiskies if you particularly love those qualities.”