Food NI sets out its stall in support of local producers
Food NI has secured a further boost for local food producers as part of the NI Year of Food and Drink by offering stalls to eligible producers at a dedicated food pavilion at the BBC Good Food Show in Belfast later this year.
Food NI will be supporting local food and drink by providing stands at a Year of Food and Drink Village at the Show which will take place in the north for the first time between 14th and 16th October. The event is set to attract over 12,000 visitors from across Ireland to the newly developed Waterfront venue. Food NI will host the dedicated area for local producers which will allow businesses to showcase our quality food and drink producers and celebrate the Year of Food and Drink overall. The leading membership organisation for the food and drink sector, Food NI has applied to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme for support for the initiative and is passing the benefits on to local companies.
this highly prestigious event, 78 per cent of whom are in the ABC1 socioeconomic bracket, this is a wonderful opportunity for our local producers – from the smallest to the largest – to promote their top quality products.
“Based on figures from other hugely successful BBC Good Food Show events in cities across the UK last year, we expect an average spend from the mainly female visitor of £103, which leaves plenty of opportunity for sales and, just as importantly, exposure.”
To be eligible for a stand in Food NI’s Year of Food and Drink Village applicants must be a Northern Ireland food or drink company with products made in NI, using NI ingredients where possible and sourcing, using and promoting Northern Ireland produce. Companies should also be enhancing the reputation of Northern Ireland as a quality food and drink destination.
Companies with less than £500k turnover can qualify for a 2×2 stand in the Food Village whilst those with a turnover over £500k and up to £5 million can qualify for a 3×3 stand.
The Show will be a major focal point of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink celebrations and will bring the best of Northern Ireland food and drink to life, from demonstration theatres featuring talented local chefs to this dedicated Food Village which will play host to regional producers. The Show will present a fantastic opportunity for larger brands as well to raise brand awareness and retail to an engaged foodie audience.
To enquire about your eligibility for a Food NI-supported stand please contact darina@nigoodfood.com or Lindsay@nigoodfood.com. Alternatively, you can call Food NI on 028 90249449.
Larger companies should contact the show organisers, River Street Events, direct. Email Cat Banks at Catriona.Banks@riverstreetevents.co.uk or call 020 3405 4282.
