TourismNI would like to invite you to join Patrick and Russell from the GastroGays and learn how to take amazing photography using the technology in your hand! This lunchtime masterclass will take place online, on Thursday 31st March from 12pm – 3pm.

The webinar will be interactive and will transform your food and drink smartphone pictures to Insta worthy shots, and will cover the following topics:

-The importance of high quality photography for the digital age

-Making the most of what you have – Smartphone settings and essentials

-Composition and styling

-Editing and preparing for posting

-Tagging and sharing content 

-Hints and tips, general advice, levelling up your social media imagery

-Analytics and measuring performance

Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford are better known as GastroGays, an award-winning content creation brand focused on all things food and travel. Begun as a blog in 2013 the pair have amassed a significant international audience and have become one of the foremost voices in food and travel across the Island of Ireland, as well as contributing to publications such as Irish Times, Irish Independent, Lonely Planet and RTE.

This webinar is ideal for those who use food and drink to promote their business and destination and is aimed at those who want to transform their food and drink photography skills for the digital arena.

To find out more and to register for this opportunity, please click the link: https://www.tourismni.com/events/food–drink–smartphone-photography-masterclass/#msdynttrid=qy20SbSamgjuFq3WDqlRVZvIHlLtKpjMfkRXjSP6Sh4

The Chocolate Manor in Castlerock, county Derry has became the 12th Économusée in Northern Ireland.

Along with guests from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Tourism NI and guest speaker chef Paula McIntyre, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust launched the artisan chocolatier into this international network of elite artisans, in a chocolate infused celebration.

Nestled in the small coastal village of Castlerock visitors to the area have the opportunity to browse the Chocolate Shop and Artisan Food Emporium.  If you’re looking for an engaging activity to share with family, friends or colleagues, or want to add artisan chocolate making to your Irish food experience, a visit to The Chocolate Manor is a must!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes said: “Council is very proud of the role it has played to help Geri transform her hobby and passion in to a very successful business venture.

She has participated in our Sales Growth Programme, Alchemy Business Mentoring and received practical support from our COVID recovery grant, Rural Development Programme and most recently the Tourism Excellence Programme, all of which have aided her sales growth strategy and capital purchases. 

Through Taste Causeway we have supported Geri and other food artisans to showcase their products at Balmoral Show and BBC Good Food Show, and it’s hugely encouraging to witness her progress, which is based on her exceptional products.

The Chocolate Manor is a fantastic addition to the thriving Économusée network and I wish her well as she embarks on this next important step.”

Graham Thompson, Chief Executive of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust welcomed guests to the celebratory event, explaining the concept and what visitors can expect to find: ‘’As with all our Économusée businesses, visitors to The Chocolate Manor will have the opportunity to meet the artisan and discover the history of their craft. Having an Économusée artisan, especially a chocolate one, in this superb coastal location will have a positive impact on the area and will be a valuable addition to the network. We welcome Geri and her team and we look forward to working with you and promoting you locally and internationally.’’

In 2020, when the rest of the world stood still, The Chocolate Manor moved to distinctive premises, which have been located at the heart of Castlerock village for over 120 years.  Geri, a skilled and passionate artisan chocolatier has worked with 5-star restaurants and some of the biggest names in the culinary industry to produce bespoke chocolates for special occasions. The Chocolate Manor has even had several commissions for members of the Royal Family.

Geri Martin, owner of The Chocolate Manor, added: ‘I want to thank everyone who has helped me on this journey. I am excited about the future and look forward to being part of the Économusée network, welcoming chocolate loving visitors from far and wide into our workshop to experience, experiment, indulge and create their own unique handcrafted chocolate treats and build life-long memories along the way.’’

Guest speakers at the launch included Carl-Éric Guertin, Director of the Économusée Network Society in Quebec, Martin Graham, Tourism NI, Cllr Richard Holmes Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Celebrity Chef, Presenter and Author Paula McIntyre MBE and Graham Thompson, Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, and lead partner of the Économusée Artisan at Work project in N. Ireland.

Économusée Artisans at Work is a concept that was developed in Québec and involves partners from Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Haiti, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Within Northern Ireland the other eleven Économusée workshops are; Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil in Limavady, Scullion Hurls in Loughgiel, Steenson’s Jewellers in Glenarm, Hillstown Brewery in Ahoghill (currently closed), Hot Milk Forge in Martinstown and Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Broughgammon Farm, North Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle, Audrey Kyle Arts and Gobbins Crafts in Islandmagee and the Creamery Can in Glarryford.  Each workshop is situated on or close by the famous Causeway Coastal Route making it an ideal craft trail for visitors.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots and his Republic of Ireland counterpart, Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine have launched the All-Island Food Integrity Initiative (FOOD-I) – in which Queen’s University Belfast will play a leading role. The new network consolidates food-systems expertise on the island of Ireland, bringing together key academic, industry and government stakeholders to realise a step-change in the sustainability, security and integrity of the food system. The ‘All-Island Agri-Food Research Ecosystem Mapping Report’ was also launched at the event. The report is the first of its kind ever to be completed for the island of Ireland and maps the agri-food research ecosystem across the entire island for publicly funded research awarded between 2015 and 2020. The world’s food systems are facing unprecedented challenges, with climate factors, increasing population size and geopolitical conflict threatening food security for all. This is compounded by the need to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas and carbon emissions by 2050. Speaking at the launch, Minister Poots said: “At today’s event we have heard from eminent speakers who have been outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead as we strive to transform how food is produced and consumed and to enhance our global competitiveness and the reputation of our agri-food sectors. “I fully recognise that science and innovation are key enablers of long-term economic productivity and growth and are also vital in underpinning environmental sustainability. I am confident that the science delivered by FOOD-I will rise to meet these challenges and create new opportunities for the agri-food sector – placing sustainability at the heart of a living, working landscape valued by everyone.” Minister McConalogue added: “I welcome the FOOD-I initiative, which provides the unique opportunity to bring stakeholders from all over the island of Ireland together to support innovation and research capability and capacity, in order to implement change in the sustainability, security and integrity of our food systems. “Both FOOD-I and (Irish Government strategy) Food Vision 2030 recognise the benefits and need for a collaborative food systems approach, encompassing economic, environmental and social sustainability. The FOOD-I initiative aims to consolidate food systems expertise and this, along with the initiative’s key aims and objectives, will greatly benefit the island of Ireland, as well as helping to inform the transformation of global food systems.”

Thirty years ago this month, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) unveiled one of the world’s first farm quality assurance schemes. The launch of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) would transform the industry and ensure that Northern Ireland beef and lamb was recognised on a global platform.

Commenting on the anniversary of the launch of FQAS, LMC chief executive Ian Stevenson said, “Northern Ireland was one the first regions in the world with the vision and foresight of the need for an all-encompassing farm quality assurance scheme. We were the first of the four UK nations to develop a quality assurance scheme that made a real difference for farmers and the other stakeholder groups within the red meat sector.

“Initially the scheme was envisaged to meet the export needs of our beef and lamb sectors. It was developed to give consumer assurances about the farm end of the production chain with three key pillars: food safety, animal welfare and care for the environment. The FQAS has fundamentally succeeded in giving consumers total confidence in the quality, traceability and heritage of the beef and lamb in Northern Ireland.

“Over 30 years on from its initial development the scheme continues to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the agri-food industry. Eighty per cent of the beef and lamb produced in Northern Ireland is exported. Ensuring that we get the best possible return from these exports is critically important. Our prestigious farm quality assurance scheme is a key driver in ensuring unfettered market access and we are confident that it will continue to play a leading role in securing new export markets.”

Despite the current challenges associated with high input costs, looking to the future Ian remarked that opportunities lie ahead for the industry as work continues to promote and grow the footprint on NIFQA produce. One element of this is the case being made for Northern Ireland’s inclusion in the PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef, which Ian notes would open a range of new and important export opportunities for the local beef sector. Yet, regardless of the outcome of this bid Ian is confident that FQAS will remain a key pillar for sustained development of the local beef and lamb sectors for years to come.

He added: “Since its inception thirty years ago the scheme has delivered real quantifiable benefits to the beef and sheep sectors in Northern Ireland. LMC has been delighted to operate and manage the FQAS on behalf of the industry for the past 30 years and looks forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead.”

Photo caption – LMC Chief Executive, Ian Stevenson

Bushmills Irish Whiskey – from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery in county Antrim –  is now the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV Show in the US, and preferred sipper of the notorious “Shelby Family”.

The partnership with Endemol Shine North America (a Banijay company), and Peaky Blinders’ official brand owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, was launched ahead of St. Patrick’s Day with an exciting offer for fans to imbibe like the Shelby’s and will extend through 2022.

The Shelby Family and Bushmills Irish Whiskey share stories of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. Bushmills has never wavered from its commitment to crafting great whiskey with a recipe passed down through generations of skilled and devoted whiskey-makers. Made on the wild edges of the north coast of Ireland, Bushmills has stood the test of time for over 400 years, having overcome conflict, fire and famine. 

“The motivations of the Shelby’s are those of family, loyalty and perseverance, which are the same qualities that have put Bushmills at the forefront of whiskey making for hundreds of years,” said Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Proximo Spirits. “Over the course of our partnership, we are excited to connect with a new, dynamic generation of whiskey drinkers through collaborative content and experiences that speak to the history and heart of our brand.”

To kick off the partnership, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and the Peaky Blinders TV show created a Shelby Sour from their local bar. The cocktail recipe, inspired by Tommy Shelby, features sweet and fruity flavours, balanced by the smooth, warm finish of Bushmills Original Whiskey.

“What better way to welcome Bushmills as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV series than with a free whiskey cocktail for our loyal fans,” said Scott Shillet, vice president of licensing at Endemol Shine North America.

Throughout the year, Bushmills and Endemol Shine North America (a Banijay company), in collaboration with Peaky Blinders‘ official brand owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, will connect with US consumers through an exciting, full-scale promotion featuring co-branded content, a national advertising campaign and live experiential moments.

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is crafted with care and passion at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills, county Antrim has more than 400 years of whiskey-making heritage, which has been passed down through generations.

The brand’s award-winning triple distilled single malt whiskeys are renowned for their signature smooth taste and famous house style: Bushmills Original, Bushmills Red Bush, Bushmills Black Bush, Bushmills10 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills12 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, and Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt.

The multi-award-winning gangster epic Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke). Sold to more than 180 countries, the series is widely available internationally on Netflix. The series is owned and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions.  Banijay represent a range of global ancillary rights for the Peaky Blinders brand. Peaky Blinders is distributed by Banijay Rights.

Endemol Shine North America delivers world-class content and compelling storytelling to multiple platforms in the US and across the globe. 

A division of Banijay, the world’s largest international content producer and distributor, subsidiary production companies in the US include Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Bunim/Murray Productions, Stephen David Entertainment and Yellow Bird US Its Endemol Shine Latino division oversees all original Spanish and Portuguese-language operations across Latin America, including Endemol Shine Brasil, Mexico City-based Endemol Shine Boomdog and Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic.

Caryn Mandabach Productions is an independent television production company which produces and owns the BAFTA winning drama Peaky Blinders.  In addition to the critically acclaimed series, the company’s oversight includes all development and licensing of the eponymous Peaky Blinders brand.  Founded by Emmy-winning US producer, Caryn Mandabach, whose prolific career includes the creation of iconic titles such as Roseanne, Third Rock from the Sun, That 70s Show and Nurse Jackie, the company continues to distinguish itself through the development and production of ground-breaking, culturally relevant content that is consistently part of pop culture vernacular.

The Oxford Cultural Collective is working in partnership with Ulster University to stage Gastronomy Summit 2022, a landmark event to be held in Belfast on 11th to 13th April 2022, which will bring together members of the global culinary community to explore the development of food and drink destinations in ways that benefit local communities.

Book you place at Gastronomy Summit 2022.

Keynote session: Dan Saladino – 1.45pm to 2.45pm – Tuesday 12th April 2022

Dan Saladino, food journalist and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, recently published his first book, Eating to Extinction, to great acclaim.  It takes readers on an epic journey through the history, culture and future of food.

In conversation with Donald Sloan, Dan will the explore the world’s most endangered food cultures, and propose what we must do to protect the diverse communities they represent.   

Dan honed his journalistic skills on Radio 4’s investigative series Face the Facts before specialising in food and farming stories more than a decade ago. Dan is listed in the Progress 1000: The Evening Standard’s Most Influential People in Food and Drink, The Telegraph’s Food Power List and he is the recipient of a James Beard Awards (America’s most high-profile award for food journalism). He has won multiple awards for his radio work, including for his efforts to document the loss of biodiversity around the world.  In this regard, his extensive travels through Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, recording the world’s most endangered foods and the disappearance of traditional and indigenous food cultures, formed the basis for his recent book. In 2019 Dan won the Jane Grigson Trust Award for New Food Writers, prior to the publication of Eating to Extinction.