Millions to see the best of local food on airport arrival

Smaller food and drink processors in Northern Ireland are being given another 'lift' by the region's biggest airport to help boost their sales.

Millions of passengers arriving at Belfast International Airport will be able to see some of the region's best food and drink producers when they arrive.

The airport plans to showcase promotional material from upwards of 30 local food and drink companies in the Arrivals concourse.

The decision to highlight the products in the concourse follows earlier initiatives by the airport to set up a 'Taste of Northern Ireland' produce shop in the Departures Zone and the inclusion of Northern Ireland food and drink in the Causeway Business Lounge for premium passengers. Fed and Watered, the main restaurant in Departures is also using local food and drink.

The airport launched the 'Taste of Ulster' shop, which features products from around 30 companies for travellers to purchase, to support Northern Ireland's Year of Food and Drink earlier in the year.

The shop, supported by Ulster Artisans and Food NI, has proved a resounding success and is now a permanent feature at the airport which handles more than four million passengers a year to destinations in Britain, Europe and the US.

Smaller companies selling products in the Taste of Ulster shop include Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, Passion Preserved chutneys, jellies and relishes, Made with Love jams and relishes, Kennedy Dry-Aged Bacon, Melting Pot fudge, Suki Tea, Our Daily Bread wheatens, Ann's Pantry traditional Irish breads, and Harnett's Oils.

The Causeway Business Lounge features a "gourmet artisan buffet' of local products including Fivemiletown Creamery's speciality cheeses, White's Porridge Oats, Ditty's breads and biscuits, Thompson's Family Teas, and Johnson's Coffee from Lisburn. Breads and morning goods are also locally sourced as are the butter and jams.

The airport, in addition, features locally produced spirits such as Shortcross and Jawbox gins, Bushmills and The Quiet Man Irish whiskies, RubyBlue vodka as well as Hilden craft beers.

A spokesman for the airport said the new promotional initiative is a further example of its support for the important local industry beyond Year of Food and Drink. The response from producers, both large and small, had been extremely positive.

The airport has also encouraged smaller companies to hold product sampling sessions in Departures over the past year and especially at peak holiday seasons.

Pic Caption: Ulster Artisans, left, Melanie Gilfillan of Our Daily Bread, Jane Harnett of Harnett's Oils, Claire Kelly of Passion Preserved and Nathan Kelly also Passion Preserved.