Business start award for Irish Black Butter

Irish Black Butter, developer of a new apple-based spread, has been named Northern Ireland's Start-up Business of the Year.

The small company, established last November by Alastair Bell, won the prestigious recognition in Northern Ireland's leading awards for enterprise, innovation and exporting by small businesses run by Business Eye magazine and sponsored by First Trust Bank

Commenting on the Small Business Award, Mr Bell, who is based in Portrush, county Antrim, says: "I am delighted to have won such a prestigious award for Northern Ireland businesses. It's my first award and comes well within a year of the launch of Irish Black Butter.

"It is immensely encouraging for a small business and will be of enormous importance as I drive sales in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The butter is now available at dozens of delis and other outlets in Northern Ireland and is steadily winning business in the Republic including with Sheridan's, one of the leading distributors of cheese and complimentary products.

"I've also launched the butter successfully at the iconic Borough Market in London and have recently signed up with a distributor there," adds Mr Bell.

Irish Black Butter was developed by Mr Bell with the help of top chef and food innovator Paul Clarke of En-Place Foods in Cookstown, county Tyrone. It is based on an original blend of bramley apples grown in county Armagh, Northern Ireland's 'Orchard County' with brandy, treacle and spices.

Mr Bell has also been successful in developing innovative products with other producers in Northern Ireland including an ice cream flavour with Morelli's and yoghurt with Clandeboye Estate, the region's only manufacturer of yoghurt.

The BusinessEye/First Trust Bank Awards are an annual celebration of business success in Northern Ireland including start-up, innovation and exports.