Unique Country Market at Belfast International Airport
A unique Country Market has been established at Belfast International Airport (BIA) to help promote Northern Ireland artisan producers. It is the first country market to be established in the Departures zone in an airport anywhere in the world,
Over 15 local artisans are taking part in the market, giving passengers travelling airside the opportunity to purchase from a wide range of high quality, locally made products from cheese, to chocolate, to ceramics. Belfast International Airport is among the busiest in the UK and Ireland.
The market is being run in conjunction with Ulster Artisans, an umbrella organisation committed to helping consumers everywhere to recognise the quality and originality of local artisan foods and drink and to include them when shopping.
Graham Keddie, BIA managing director, says the airport’s initiative reflects its commitment to supporting local businesses. “The unique country market is certainly adding a local flavour to the airport at a key travelling period. Around 15,000 people pass through departures every day..
‘It gives us a chance to show our customers, both from Northern Ireland and abroad, the excellence of the food available here. Belfast International Airport made a promise to help support and promote local businesses and that is exactly what the market gives us the chance to do. It comes at a time when Northern Ireland is preparing to celebrate the originality and innovation of local products in the first-ever Year of Food and Drink.
“The range of items available, include food, pottery, specialist butters and oils, chutneys, and ceramics, and the best of it is, they are all locally produced. What’s also unique is that the producers will be on hand to talk to the travellers.”
The market is located airside in departures and will operate from Thursday to Sunday over the coming weekends. They hope to show Belfast International Airport’s customers just how much Northern Irish artisans have to offer.
There are plans to extend the stalls at the market and to expand the range of products on show.
The initial group of participating companies includes:
Abernethy Butter, Dromara (Hand churned butter)
Baked in Belfast (Pottery / ceramics and unusual marmalade, chutney and jam)
Broighter Gold, Limavady, county Derry (Rapeseed oil)
Eleanor Craigs Fudge, Carrickfergus, county Antrim (Home-made futter fudge)
Harnetts Oils, Craigavon, county Armagh (Rapeseed oils, dressings soaps)
Hughes Craft Distillery, Lisburn, county Down (Fruit liqueurs and vodka)
Neary Nogs, Newry, county Down (Chocolate and fudge)
Passion Preserved, Lisburn, county Antrim (chutneys, relishes and pickles)
