Food NI showcases our fabulous food and drink
Michele Shirlow’s Farming Life Column.
Our fabulous food and drink is justifiably one of the key features of this year’s RUAS show at Balmoral Park.
Food NI has once again organised a spectacular Food Pavilion showcasing the very best of local produce and including a packed programme of cooking demonstrations by top chefs on how to create meals using the superb ingredients that are readily available here.
The pavilion reflects our commitment to the successful Year of Food and Drink 2016 campaign that’s been increasing awareness of the quality, originality and outstanding taste of our fo
od and drink, the producers and, of course, the farmers and fishermen whose skills and dedication ensure superbly tasty and wholesome ingredients.
I’d urge you to spend time in the Food Pavilion. You’ll find food and drink from around 100 local companies, artisans, smaller enterprises and major firms, and be able to taste the products they love creating. Thousands of products will be on show. You may be surprised to discover the extent of food and drink now being made here.
The fantastic line up of companies in the Food Pavilion covers virtually ever sector of food and drink production here – artisan cheeses, breads, ice cream, meats, eggs, condiments and beverages including cider.
The Food NI Food Pavilion is in fact the biggest and best showcase of local food and drink so far during Year of Food and Drink, now in its fifth month and focusing on the theme of Landscapes and Places in May.
The Food Pavilion at Balmoral is probably the most striking demonstration of the close link between food and drink and landscape and places and particularly the people, farming and fishing families who are passionate about conserving our exceptional countryside and in providing outstandingly tasty and wholesome food and drink.
As well as being able to sample and purchase many of the foods on show, you will also be able to see and talk to the producers. They’ll be happy to explain how they create such wonderful products.
The Food Pavilion is now Food NI’s most important and successful activity to promote local food and drink industry by increasing awareness of what the industry has to offer. It’s an initiative that has generated good business for producers over the years and will continue to do so this year.
All our activities are shaped by this commitment to promote the growth of the local industry and thereby encourage employment opportunities and support the economic wellbeing particularly of rural communities where most of the producers are based.
As well as organising our own exhibitions and supporting those of other bodies including local councils, across Northern Ireland Food NI works closely with chefs across Northern Ireland in encouraging them to create individual dishes and meals using local ingredients. This activity also assists business for producers with local chefs and with diners who enjoy the meals.
Other initiatives by Food NI have included supporting the Taste of Ulster shop at Belfast International Airport with the inclusion of local spirits and beers in the Duty Free in Departures, the Taste of Ulster You Tube channel highlighting Northern Ireland producers and products.
In addition, we are working with BBC Good Food Show to ensure the success of this important consumer-led event in Belfast in October.
