Sandwich Specialist Tastes Success with Innovative Flavours

A special sandwich to mark Northern Ireland's first Year of Food and Drink by Around Noon Sandwiches is proving to be a hit in the snack and 'food-to-go' markets in both parts of the island.

Around Noon, based in Newry, county Down and a specialist in 'food to go' solutions, developed the sandwich as part of its support for the Year of Food and Drink initiative to increase awareness of Northern Ireland food and drink particularly in the Republic of Ireland, now its biggest and fastest growing market.

David Graham, Around Noon's Executive Head Chef, commenting on the new sandwich, says: "We wanted to create a sandwich which would showcase the creativity of food production in Northern Ireland and could be used by us to show our support for this hugely important initiative to promote our excellent food and drink.

"What we've produced is a unique sandwich that demonstrates that Northern Ireland companies are creating products that blend traditional and contemporary ingredients and culinary expertise to provide outstanding taste.

"We've introduced the sandwich to our network of high-end foodservice clients in the Republic and been immensely encouraged by the feedback that they've received from their customers. Most of the ingredients are from local suppliers," he adds.

The company describes the sandwich as a hand rolled sourdough baguette filled with sliced avocados, slow roasted tomatoes and peppery rocket from Willowbrook Foods in Killinchy, Co. Down, with a creamy sriracha dressing from another Northern Ireland company, Rich Sauces in Newtownards, Co. Down. The sandwich retails at around £4.25.

The sandwich is on sale in the Republic of Ireland and In Northern Ireland it is on the menu at Ground, the region's fastest growing chain of coffee shops.

Established in 1989, Around Noon is a family owned and managed business that now employs 170 people at a state-of-the-art processing plant.

Around Noon currently has a portfolio of around 600 products - gourmet sandwiches, paninis, wraps, smoothies, juices, fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Pic Caption: Pictured with the new Year of Food and Drink Sandwich, left Michele Shirlow, chief executive, Food NI, David Graham, executive chef, Around Noon, and Louise Moss, Ground Cafes.