Premium food and drink from Northern Ireland at Gulfood 2018

Premium beef, spring water, ice cream, butter, nutritional products and healthy snacks from Northern Ireland will be showcased at Gulfood 2018, the biggest food and drink expo next month in Dubai.

The products are being displayed by 17 companies taking part in a major presentation organised by business development agency Invest Northern Ireland, which has a base in the commercial centre of the United Arab Emirates.

The Northern Ireland showcase is in World Food, Sheikh Saeed and Dairy halls at the successful international event at which the UK region has been represented for many years.

The participating companies represent one of Northern Ireland's most successful industries with a sharp focus on international business. The producers benefit from Northern Ireland's natural environment.

Meat and dairy processors, in particular, draw from the country's grass-fed animals reared to the highest welfare and hygiene standards on clean and lush pasture land.

Food production and processing in Northern Ireland is a £4.5 billion industry that currently exports quality products to around 80 countries and includes among its customers many of the world's leading retailers, including Spinneys, Lulu, Choithram and Al Maya.

International customers for Northern Ireland food and drink include Carrefour, Auchan, Waitrose, Fortnum and Mason, Harrods, Sainsbury and Tesco.

Northern Ireland producers have a heritage in quality food with provenance and transparency. The region has, in addition, led the field in blockchain transparency platforms.

Many of the companies on the Northern Ireland stands are already doing business in the Emirates and other international markets, several benefiting from previous attendance at Gulfood.

Northern Ireland companies at Gulfood 2018

Antrim Hills Spring Water - water products from an artesian spring

Boomer Nutrition - nutritional foods

CocoMojo - health products from coconut water, coconut oil and other healthy ingredients

Crust and Crumb - bakery products including gluten free pizza bases

Free'ist - free-from products including biscuits, confectionery and jam

Glens of Antrim Crisps - premium potato crisps from leading potato packer

Kettyle Irish Foods - premium meat

Lakeland Dairies - dairy and non-dairy products for foodservice

Linwoods Health Foods - healthy seed products and snacks

SHS Drinks - distributor of soft and alcoholic beverages

White's Oats - porridge oats and oat snacks

Willowbrook Foods - bagged vegetables and convenience meals

Wilson's Country - pre-bagged potatoes and convenience potato products

Glastry Farm Ice Cream - luxury ice cream and sorbets

Greenfields Ireland - butter, cheese, powders and other dairy products

LacPatrick Dairies - dairy products including butter and cheese

Quinn's Gelato - ice cream