Food companies in top Northern Irish awards

Three food and drink companies have been successful in one of Northern Ireland's most prestigious awards.

The successful companies in the annual Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, which are sponsored by Ulster Bank, were:

Excellence in Innovation: Northway Mushrooms

Emerging Business/Start Up: Copeland Spirits, Saintfield, county Down

Young Business Person of the Year: Gareth Chambers, Around Noon, Newry, county Down

The awards were announced at a gala dinner attended by over 350 local business leaders.

It is the second year Ulster Bank has partnered with the Belfast Telegraph for the awards.

Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank head in Northern Ireland, said: "I think it speaks volumes that this year, the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank, received a record level of entries. It demonstrates that not only is there exceptional work taking place in our business community but that companies are increasingly aware of the importance of showcasing the calibre of what they do through the business awards in order to further develop and grow.

"Being on the judging panel was an inspiring experience. We had a really strong mix and diverse range of submissions from firms that have an excellent and well-executed strategy and those who are truly competing and winning in their market places and delivering real value for their business and for Northern Ireland."

Richard McClean, managing director of Belfast Telegraph owner Independent News and Media (NI), said: "We were thrilled that such a wide range of businesses of all sizes and from all sectors from right across Northern Ireland joined us for a fantastic evening to mark their achievements. Hearing their success stories has been truly inspirational.

"Being shortlisted means that your business has met the very high standards set by our panel of esteemed judges and is certainly something worth celebrating. We are proud, along with our partner Ulster Bank, to champion local entrepreneurs and help tell their stories to the wider business community, and in their 16th year our awards are stronger than ever."

Based near Armagh in county Armagh, Northway, a producer organisation, is a leading producer of mushroom and fruit products especially strawberries.

Copeland Gin, established in 2017, produces fruit-infused gins using locally grown fruit such as raspberry along with rhubarb. The gin is now on sale throughout Ireland and has won business in the Emirates.

Gareth Chambers is managing director of Around in Newry, county Down, a company specialising in eat-on-the good food.