Irish Black Butter in TV spotlight
Food NI member Alastair Bell, founder and managing director of Portrush-based Irish Black Butter, has appeared on BBC Two’s popular Dragons’ Den programme.
Mr Bell, commenting on his appearance, says: “I was thrilled to have an opportunity to present my unique Irish Black Butter sweet/savoury spread. It was a marvellous experience to be part of such a successful and, of course, challenging business programme from BBC Two.
“It followed our recent achievement of three gold stars in the Great Taste Awards 2019, the competition run by the UK Guild of Fine Food to find products with outstanding flavours and authenticity.”
The edition is due for transmission on 11 August 2019.
Businessman Alastair Bell launched Irish Black Butter, a unique sweet/savoury spread, in 2017. He came up with the idea to harness the potential of Armagh Bramley Apples, which have EU protected status, and approached leading chef Paul Clarke, who also runs En-Place Foods in Cookstown, a company producing a range of culinary products for chefs, for advice and guidance in developing the recipe.
In addition to Bramley apples, Irish Black Butter includes treacle, cider, a touch of brandy and spices for a cross between sweet and savoury.
Mr Bell describes the spread as “A New Taste of Ireland” and has been successful in developing sales for the original product in the UK and Ireland. It has also attracted interest from retailers in the US and Germany. The product has won UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards.
As well as the original black butter, Mr Bell has recently launched an Irish Black Butter Peanut Spread and has also worked with other local producers in the development of Irish Black Butter Ice Cream and Irish Black Butter Fudge.
For more, please contact Alastair Bell on 07732 266502
