Fresh and original ideas in food and drink from Northern Ireland
Fresh flavours and original ideas from successful food and drink companies will be showcased on the Northern Ireland Naturally stand (M230) in Hall 6 at the International Food and Drink Expo 2014, NEC Birmingham, 24th-26thMarch.
Northern Ireland companies will be presenting a range of innovative food ideas from sectors including beef, poultry, convenience meals, traditional artisan breads and cakes, and a new coconut drink blended with herbs and spices.
They are taking part on a stand organised by Invest Northern Ireland, the region's business development agency, which has marketing teams in both Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
The companies are broadly representative of food and drink, the UK region's biggest manufacturer, a £4.5 billion industry that employs over 100,000 people and sells over 70 per cent of its products outside Northern Ireland.
The success the industry is experiencing in key markets such as Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other parts of Asia as well as the US and Asia is based on a commitment to customer-focused products that combine taste with safety, provenance and heritage. The confidence underpinning the industry in its ability to deliver products that customers value is seen in commitments from companies, both large and small, to invest £1.3 billion by 2020.
A new Going for Growth Action Plan, developed jointly by companies, Invest NI and the Northern Ireland government, aims to accelerate the industry's growth over the next six years.
Companies showing products at International Food and Drink Expo 2014 represent major businesses and the region's fast growing base of smaller artisan enterprises which have won national and international awards, including UK Great Taste Awards, for outstanding taste and quality. Indeed, Northern Ireland companies have won the overall Supreme Champion Title over the past two years in the Great Taste Awards.
Vicky Kell, Invest NI's Trade Director, commenting on the Northern Ireland presentation, says: "Our food and drink industry is now a leading supplier of products to major multiple retailers, independents and foodservice organisations throughout Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other international markets. Major multiples together spend upwards of £1.5 billion annually on buying food and drink from Northern Ireland. And the business continues to grow strongly.
"Key exports to European supermarkets now include grass-fed beef, poultry, dairy products, seafood bread and beverages, all processed in modern factories operating to the highest European accredited hygiene standards. Meat and poultry production relies on animals and poultry reared on largely family-owned farms often within five miles of the processing units, ensuring complete traceability and safety.
"As well as supplying branded products to British and European supermarkets, Northern Ireland companies supply a range of own label foods such as meat, cheese and breakfast cereals.
"The industry is also supported by sophisticated logistics and freight transport services which ensure fast delivery from factories to shelves. The Port of Belfast, for instance, is the busiest and most modern on the island of Ireland, providing efficient container and roll-on roll-off services to Great Britain and European ports such as Rotterdam. Fast air freight services are also provided at Belfast International Airport."
Invest NI provides a broad portfolio of services to retailers and foodservice organisations seeking quality and innovative food and drink. The food marketing teams in Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield regularly arrange 'Meet the Buyer' events and visits to producers which facilitate mutually beneficial business exchanges. They have comprehensive knowledge of the products and capabilities of Northern Ireland food and drink processors.
If you would like additional information on the Northern Ireland companies exhibiting at Food & Drink Expo, please click on http://www.investni.com/foodanddrinkexpo2014
You can also contact: Robin Barnett, Food Business Development Manager GB Mob: +44 (0)78 1717 3513 E: robin.barnett@investni.com& Michelle Charrington, Food Business Development Manager GB Mob: +44 (0)78 1717 3514.
Companies on the Northern Ireland Naturally stand (M230) in Hall 6 at the International Food Exhibition:
Coco Mojo Ltd - coconut milk and water and aromatic herbs drink
W: www.drinkcocomojo.com <http://www.drinkcocomojo.com>
Cloughbane Farm Foods Ltd - beef, poultry, pork, pies, lasagne and convenience meals W: www.cloughbanefarm.com <http://www.cloughbanefarm.com>
Crawford Foods Ltd - breakfast granola pots and granola bars
W: www.crawfordsfoodservice.co.uk <http://www.crawfordsfoodservice.co.uk>
Donegal Rapeseed Co. Ltd - cold-press rapeseed oils
W: www.donegalrapeseedoil.com <http://www.donegalrapeseedoil.com>
Genesis Crafty Ltd - Traditional Irish breads, bagels, pancakes, scones and cakes
W: www.genesiscrafty.com <http://www.genesiscrafty.com>
Glastry Farm Ice Cream Ltd - dairy ice cream and low-fat sorbets
W: www.glastryfarm.com <http://www.glastryfarm.com>
K Hughes & Co. Ltd - fresh and pre-packed mushrooms
W: www.hughesmushrooms.com <http://www.hughesmushrooms.com>
Ocean Veg (Ireland) Ltd - fresh seaweed products including kelp pesto
Contact: Kate Burns Mob: +44(0) 7925025211
Western Brand Poultry Ltd - poultry products
W: www.westernbrandni.com <http://www.westernbrandni.com>