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Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is set to lead a business mission from the local food sector to London's International Food Exhibition (IFE) 2009.

The Minister will visit the major food show, which takes place from 15 ??“18 March 2009, where over 20 local companies will be represented in an Invest Northern Ireland delegation.

Almost 300 food and drink products from around 25 companies will be on show to trade buyers on the Invest Northern Ireland stand at Scothot 2009, from 2-4 March, in Glasgow.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster launched a new range of gourmet burgers made from local red meat and pork during a visit to Tenderlean in Derrylin.

The quality burgers are being manufactured and marketed by Tenderlean from completely new recipes created by local television chef and ambassador for good food in Northern Ireland, Jenny Bristow. As well as being available in Northern Ireland, the burgers will be targeted at retailers and caterers, particularly in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland seafood processors based in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie are being helped by Invest Northern Ireland to explore business opportunities in the vast US marketplace.

Linden Foods in Dungannon, an Invest Northern Ireland client company, has developed an innovative product, Banquet Royale Rose Veal, as an ethical alternative to traditional white veal for top restaurants seeking meat with a rich flavour, delicate texture and exceptional eating experience.

Five Northern Ireland companies are taking part in the Gulfood 2009 international food exhibition in Dubai, from 23-26 February, the biggest food event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Sainsbury's has listed two more products from Good4U, the specialist producer of healthy snack foods and drinks. The retailer plans to stock Good4U's unique Brocco Shoots and Alfalfa Shoots in more than 200 stores across the United Kingdom. Good4U already supplies Lentil and Bean Sprouts to Sainsbury's stores across the country.

Irish food company Tenderlean has teamed up with celebrity chef Jenny Bristow to create a range of gourmet burgers. Tenderlean and Jenny Bristow have given the traditional burger, a popular meal choice especially among young people, a new lease of life as a premium product using the very best locally-sourced ingredients.

Comber-based Mash Direct, an Invest Northern Ireland client company, has won the top award for its range of potato and vegetable products at the CATEX catering show in Dublin. The company, which supplies a range of convenience products from its own farm in Co Down, gained two major awards ??“ the Overall Product of the Show and the top award in the Food and Beverages category.

Mullin's Ice Cream is now supplying its pure dairy ice cream to Donnybrook Fair, Dublin's gourmet food store with help from Invest Northern Ireland. The ice cream company, based at Kilrea in Co Londonderry, will also be showing its comprehensive range at the Catex catering exhibition in Dublin, from 9-11 February, on the Invest NI Northern Ireland Naturally stand.