ARTISAN PRODUCERS POP-UP AT BELFAST AIRPORT
A pop-up shop championing Northern Ireland producers is going down a storm at Belfast International Airport. Called Ulster Artisans, it’s been open since Saturday 26th September.
The producers involved include Passion Preserved which is a range of chutneys and relishes.
“Customers tell me that they love that I grow a lot of my own produce and we end up chatting about gardening and farming in Northern Ireland” says Claire Kelly from Passion Preserved.
Baked in Belfast also makes marmalades and jams with quirky alcoholic additions. They also sell pottery. Many customers tell Leona Kane from Broighter Gold that they have never tasted rapeseed oil before. Harnett’s Oils are also there with their range of oils and dressings including Rapeseed, Hemp and Raspberry Vinaigrette.
Claire Kelly says that some people are buying from both Harnett’s and Broighter Gold because they love the fact that the two growing regions within Northern Ireland produce such different flavours within the oils.
Also on sale are Eleanor Craig’s Fudge, Neary Nogs Chocolates, who are the first ever bean to bar roasters and chocolate manufacturers in Northern Ireland. Abernethy Butter is selling there as well as City Cheese Alpine style raw milk Gouda and Young Buck which is Northern Ireland’s first raw milk blue cheese.
“The airport has been amazing and has given us such a wonderful welcome from management to all members of staff who love the fact that something local is available in the airport. Loads of staff are talking about starting their Christmas shopping with us!” says Claire Kelly.
“Because so many people have loads of time to kill we have in a way been “entertainment’ as well as they have wanted to chat to us about the food scene in Northern Ireland and what’s going on here with regard to food and restaurants.
“Passengers want the stories behind the product and we have been able to give that to them face to face. So many have mentioned the fact that the products are made by “real” people and that’s what they want to bring home. People have also commented on how nice it is to see small producers’ products available.”
Although they can’t be in the shop because of licensing laws, Ruby Blue Vodka and Liqueurs are for sale in Duty Free next door.
Everything is “flying” off the shelves, so maybe this pop-up will become permanent.
