Ulster artisan foods showcase in Brussels

Ulster Artisans, the body representing Northern Ireland's smaller food and drink producers, is showcasing products from over twenty companies in Brussels.

The showcase is being organised by Ulster Artisans in association the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels with Food NI and Invest NI.

The event is being held in the Executive Office in the centre of the Belgian capital on 21st February. Buyers from leading Belgian retailers will be among guests invited to the important event for the fast growing artisan food category in Northern Ireland. It's also the first of its kind to be held by Ulster Artisans outside Northern Ireland.

Ulster Artisans is showing hundreds of products from Northern Ireland's smaller companies as well as those from an initiative by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council's acclaimed Food Heartland initiative.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a tapas style menu of dishes produced in collaboration by the participating companies. These include O'Malley's potato salad with Kennedy's Dry-Cured Bacon to accompany quiche from L'Artisan Foods made with Cavanagh Free Range Eggs. L'Artisan Foods is also producing Portuguese custard tarts with Springmount Free Range Eggs.

On show will be a broad range of artisan products including balsamic vinegars, jams, relishes and chutneys, stoneground chocolate, gluten-free bread and cakes, culinary oils and pizza kits.

Commenting on the event, Jane Harnett of Ulster Artisans says: "We are delighted to have this opportunity provided by the Northern Ireland Office in Brussels to reach out to business people and other residents of the Belgian capital with a variety of innovative and outstandingly tasty foods from a group of Northern Ireland food and drink producers.

"Most of the foods on show for guests to enjoy have won recognition for quality and flavour in major competitions such as the UK Great Taste Awards and Ireland's Blas na hEireann awards.

"All the participating companies are keen to explore opportunities to supply retailers in Belgium especially specialist food stores. Several already supply delis and independents in Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Many of the producers will also be travelling to Brussels to meet guests at the event."

The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Food Heartland initiative will also be showing a range of products produced within the council area.

Northern Ireland artisan products showcasing products in Brussels:

Amberline Preserves - preserves;
Anahorish Preserves - jams and relishes;
Armagh Cider - cider and vinegars;
Brambleberry Jams - jams and sauces;
Burren Balsamics - balsamic vinegars;
Camran Crafts - marshmallows;
Cavanagh Free Range Eggs;
Delimuru - jams, relishes and cakes;
Duvillaun Foods - pure Irishsea salt;
Harnett's Oils - culinary oils;
Hillstown Farm - wagyu beef and craft beer;
Holmes Bakery - cakes;
I Love Fudge - fudge;
Kearney Blue - blue cheese;
Kennedy Bacon - dry-cured bacon;
L'Artisan Foods - quiches and pastry;
Lecale Oysters - oysters and mussels;
Long Meadow Cider - cider;
Lough Neagh Eels - smoked eels;
Moditions Bakery - gluten free bread and cakes;
O'Malley's Potatoes - potatoes;
Miss McKeown - loose-leaf teas;
Neary Nogs - stoneground bean to bar chocolate;
Pizzado - pizza kits;
Saucy Mix - sauces;
Ruby Blue - vodka and fruit liqueurs;
Springmount Free Range Eggs - eggs
and Tamnagh Foods - granola and cheeses.

Pic caption: Jane Harnett of Ulster Artisans & Harnett Oils