Northern Ireland's award-winning produce: a masterclass of culinary excellence

In an interview with Caterer Middle East , Scott Hanna , Senior Business Development Manager at Invest Northern Ireland , highlights how Northern Ireland is emerging as a highly sought-after partner for top chefs and restaurants worldwide.

Northern Ireland is a unique region that is part of the UK, located in the north-east of the island of Ireland, where the lush green landscapes meet the dramatic Irish Sea, offering an unforgettable backdrop to the food and drink industry that has established itself as a global force to be reckoned with. At the forefront of this culinary revolution is Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI), the regional economic development agency dedicated to fostering the growth of the local economy and promoting Northern Ireland's unique offerings to the Middle East and the wider world.

Invest NI is dedicated to empowering both new and established businesses in Northern Ireland, enabling them to compete globally and attract new investments to Northern Ireland. Among its key sectors, the success of its food and drinks industry stands tall as a testament to the region's unwavering commitment to quality, traceability, and food safety.

Fresh ingredients are at the heart of Northern Ireland's thriving food and drink sector. With approximately 25,000 farms, it is one of the region's largest industries, has earned numerous accolades for the quality of its produce, exports to more than 70 countries and contributes ￡5.4 billion to the national economy. This is supported by the sector's robust supply chain, which employs around 100,000 skilled individuals, showcasing the industry's undeniable influence on job creation and economic growth.

Northern Ireland's food and drink businesses have been actively supplying a diverse range of produce to consumers in the Middle East for many years where there has always been a strong regional emphasis on quality produce. The long-lasting relationship is solidified by the quality produce and by far the largest exporters to the region are our Dairy companies including Lakeland and Greenfields. These companies along with many of our other innovative producers are working towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future by reducing their carbon footprint.

To further highlight the bond with the region, Invest NI invited major UAE food buyers to its prestigious annual Food & Drink Showcase in 2022, introducing them to over 70 award-winning Northern Ireland food and drink producers who supply both Food Service and Retail.

The award-winning quality produce from Northern Ireland is highly sought-after by restaurants and catering services worldwide. From fresh Oysters sourced from Rooney Fish in Carlingford Lough to Salmon from Glenarm Organic Salmon caught in the Irish Sea, and the finest British/Irish Beef from Foyle Foods Group, to the unique flavours of Broighter Gold's infused rapeseed oils and Burren Balsamics' high-grade balsamic vinegar from Modena with their twist, this industry is known for its original, high-quality offerings. Family farms and enterprising food and drink producers are deeply rooted in this progressive industry, driving innovation and growth.

It's impressive to see how these products are gaining recognition and popularity worldwide, especially in the food service markets in the GCC. It's commendable that these products maintain their commitment to purity and quality while offering delicious alternatives that cater to a wide range of nutritional needs. Additionally, they are changing the perception of dietary restrictions, making it easier for people to enjoy healthy and tasty options.

Northern Ireland's farmers and producers take great pride in their commitment to traceability and quality. They recognize that discerning customers worldwide not only crave delicious flavours but also demand transparency and reliability in the supply chain. Because of this pledge to world-class food security, Northern Ireland has become a highly sought-after partner for top chefs and restaurants around the world.

In conclusion, Northern Ireland's food and drinks industry is a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, driven by its unwavering commitment to quality, traceability, and food safety. Invest NI drives this culinary renaissance, which provides invaluable on-the-ground support, propelling Northern Ireland to the forefront of the worldwide food and drinks market. So, why Northern Ireland? The answer is clear: selecting Northern Ireland, using pure, natural, and high-quality ingredients, will opt for excellence, innovation, and a culinary experience that stands out from the rest.