Latest news

Linwoods, manufacturers of a range of superfood blends, has launched a new Mini Variety Pack.
The new packaging aims to make its products more convenient for consumers to enjoy their range on the go and as a single portion.

Gracehill Fine Foods, the Northern Ireland artisan food business, has won its first export business. The company is now supplying its white and black puddings to customers in the Republic of Ireland. The company, which has enjoyed a 30 per cent rise in business every year since its formation by Hugh Anderson in 2007, secured the business following a distribution deal with Crossgar Foodservice.

Award winning Finnebrogue in Northern Ireland is stepping up its operations to meet the growing demand particularly in Great Britain for venison, increasingly being seen by consumers as a healthier option.

One of the Northern Ireland food and drink industry’s best known faces is back in business with a brand new company and a refreshing new drink that he claims will inject life into the local and international energy drink markets.

Northern Ireland’s Lecale Organics, a farmer-owned and managed company, has won its first sales to the foodservice sector in London. The company is supplying organic pork loins to one of central London’s leading hotel restaurants as well as bacon and sausages from its free range Tamworth herd for the hotel’s breakfast tables.

Danny Boy Irish Whiskey, based in Holywood, County Down, has won its first business in mainland Europe. The company has begun supplying its premium blended and 15-year malt whiskey products and cream liqueur to an importer in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, for bars, restaurants, hotels and retail outlets across the Baltic nation.

Eleven buyers from many of the biggest meat companies in the Netherlands will explore business opportunities with Northern Ireland suppliers this week. The delegation is part of an ongoing programme of meet the buyer events organised by Invest Northern Ireland for the local beef and lamb industry.

O’Neill Mushrooms in Carrickmacross in County Monaghan is investing ?206,000 in a new Northern Ireland based facility to develop added-value products for export.
Invest Northern Ireland Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton recently announced the investment in Newtownhamilton in County Armagh. O’Neill Mushrooms was established in 2003 by Michael O’Neill, a businessman with vast experience in the industry.

Newtownabbey headquartered Ashers Bakery is on target to stack up ?150,000 of export sales this year thanks to assistance from Invest NI. In recent months, the traditional bakery has accessed support to help with export marketing, attendance at trade exhibitions and the creation of a marketing manager role. In addition, the company has developed a new online shop at www.ashersbakingco.com which allows customers in GB and RoI to order bespoke celebration cakes and general baked goods for delivery. Pictured are Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI and Colin McArthur, Ashers Bakery.

Northern Ireland’s favourite tea brand, Punjana has created a new blend specifically
for the Scottish market. Available from the major multiples from March, Punjana Scottish Blend is the result of careful research and sampling of the Scottish water supply to create a rich and flavoursome everyday cup of tea.