Food Producers Playing Key Role In Regenerating Local Communities
Very sadly many retailers have been shuttering shops of all sizes in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland. Thankfully for local producers, smaller and locally-owned food shops and delis have been expanding. They are responding to the growing demand for high quality, locally produced, food and drink from innovative and trusted suppliers here.
Among the most interesting expansions are Indie Fude’sinvestment in a new shop on the Ormeau Road in addition to its existing and very successful deli in Comber. It will specialise in cheeses and charcuterie.
A second French Village Food Store has also been opened in the Castlereagh district in Belfast, which will build on the tremendous popularity of its existing food outlet and takeaway on the Lisburn Road. In Belfast, Kieran Sloan has transformed Sawers into a magnet for foodies from everywhere. It’s a real treasure trove of premium local food. At Stranmillis, Ward & Co has opened recently with a tremendous display of food and drink from dozens of local suppliers. Arcadia, of course, is a crucial supporter of local food on Belfast’s Lisburn Road.
Leading meat producer Jason Hamilton of Carnbrooke Meats has opened an impressive store for his Mourne Gold branded meats and other local products near Lisburn centre and just a few miles away, Ashvale Farm Shop and restaurant leads the way in fabulous award winning desserts. In Saintfield, local artisan foods, and especially vegetables, are available from Mill Bank Farm Shop, which has been a pioneer of taste and style. And in nearby Crossgar there’s the hugely successful Farm Meadow shop and cafe which bakes outstanding wheaten with local beer.
Simon, one of our most outstanding chefs, and Jilly Dougan, a prominent environmentalist, furthermore, have created the superb indoor food market at their Yellow Door premises in Portadown. Warke’s is going strong in Portstewart for local artisans and it was great to see The Chocolate Manor open their shop at Castlerock. McKees of course and Corries have paved the way for farm shops selling local meats particularly for many years, as have Quails in Banbridge, Alexander’s Food Hall in Markethill, The Belfry Deli and Killure Farm Shop, both in Coleraine, and O’Doherty’s Fine Foods in Enniskillen. Johnny Cuddy of Ispini Charcuterie is opening a charcuterie and cheese shop in Moira. Other outstanding delis and farm shops are The Dairy in Gleno, Larne and Hilltown in Rathfriland. Local farms such as Castlescreen, Downpatrick and Buchanan’s in Kilrea offer a range of local produce.
We’ve seen really encouraging growth in farm shops, delis, home bakeries, and independent grocers here. And butchery shops are also increasingly stocking more local produce than ever before…..and they’ve a far greater choice of premium food and drink from local producers. I can say with confidence that you’ll be able to find virtually everything you need from them for delicious meals over the festive season.
Our network of delis, farm shops, butchers, home bakers, and green grocers are helping to regenerate cities and towns across Northern Ireland at a time when it is most needed.
Remember also the contribution made to local communities by street markets across the region. It was good to see the iconic St George’s Market in Belfast open again for longer trading over the festive season.
Most cities and towns here now have monthly farmers’ and food markets and some are planning other outdoor food events. These continue to be a vital source of local produce and goods for local residents and contribute to the wellbeing of farmers and smaller producers. They also bring colour to their community and can also help in regenerating town centres blighted by the closure of other retailers including big name stores whose future is decided outside Northern Ireland.
They bring shoppers back into our city and town centres. They also generate much needed additional revenue for farms throughout Northern Ireland.
Markets have become a hotbed of innovation and diversity, as well as a breeding ground for many business start-ups. We’ve seen a host of award-winning products created on local farms. Many of these products have led to successful businesses. I am sure the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Enterprise appreciates the tremendous contribution of our farmers and food business as well, of course, to farming.
Our local food and drink producers have so much to contribute to transforming our towns and villages into attractive destinations where people will want to come to spend time, learn about and experience local food and drink.
