News

Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland Awards 2018 is open for entries

Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland Awards 2018, in association with Power NI, has officially opened for entries. The Food Heartland Awards 2018 are encouraging all local food and drink businesses and young people working and studying in the sector to enter and get the recognition they deserve. Please note that the deadline for entries is 5:00pm on Friday 6th July 2018.

The award categories for the Food Heartland Awards 2018 are:

  • Best New Start Award
  • Best Growth Business Award
  • Best Export Business Award
  • Best Marketing Initiative Award
  • Innovation Award
  • Sustainability Award
  • Best Dish Using Local Ingredients
  • Best Use of a PGI Product in a Food or Drink Product
  • Rising Star Award (for anyone under the age of 25)
  • Best Licensed Eating Establishment
  • Best Non-Licensed Eating Establishment
  • Best Independent Retail Food Business

The Food Heartland Awards give local businesses and individuals in the agri- food sector a platform to recognise their hard work, passion and commitment to business excellence. The agri-food sector is thriving and diverse. From specialist artisan producers to household brands and global names… from Great Taste and Irish Food Award winners to outstanding restaurants and eateries. The borough is also home to an abundance of high quality food & drink as well as world renowned products with protected status – Armagh Bramley Apples and Lough Neagh Eels.

The awards champion and celebrate passion, quality, innovation and success across the thriving food, drink and hospitality sector throughout the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough.

The awards provide businesses and individuals with a unique opportunity for increased sales, new trade connections and greater recognition of their brands, products and innovation.

Officially launching the Food Heartland Awards for 2018, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor, Councillor Julie Flaherty, said:
“Our borough has a firmly-established reputation for excellence, passion and innovation across the food, drink and hospitality industry.

“These exciting awards not only recognise the hard-work and dedication of local food companies but shine a spotlight on the abundance of top quality produce and producers that exists.

“The economy is the number one priority for Council and these awards provide us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our success on a global scale as well as encouraging further innovation and growth which will only serve to have a positive impact locally.

“I would encourage anyone involved in this sector to consider entering the awards and make 2018 the year to shine a spotlight on their business.”

Entry is free and all details are available at www.foodheartland.com 

Deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 6th July 2018.

The Awards gala evening will take place on Wednesday 12th September at The Palace Demesne, Armagh. Tickets priced at £55 plus VAT. For further details visit www.foodheartland.com or e-mail foodheartland@ndevents.co.uk. Follow Food Heartland Awards on Facebook

www.facebook.com/FoodHeartlandNI and Twitter @FoodHeartlandNI #FHLAwards18.