Local Food Companies Enjoy UK Recognition

Northern Ireland's food and drink sector continues to enjoy international recognition, as the industry celebrates a record number of 'gold stars' at the UK Great Taste Awards.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has praised the success of Northern Ireland food and drink companies, following the news that 14 products from seven local companies have been awarded three gold stars.

Minister Foster said: "This is marvellous news for food and drink, our biggest manufacturing industry, one which generates over £4bn annually to the local economy.

"Our companies have surpassed last year's tremendous successes in terms of products being recognised for the outstanding quality and innovation that retailers, foodservice organisations and consumers are seeking."

The Northern Ireland winners of three gold stars are as follows:

• Hannan Meats, Moira – three gold stars each for seven meat products
  
  
• En Place Foods, Cookstown – three gold stars each for two products
  
  
• Ewing's Seafood, Belfast – three gold stars for one product
  
  
• Kettyle Irish Foods, Lisnaskea – three gold stars for one product
  
  
• Lidl Northern Ireland – three gold stars for one product
  
  
• McCartney's Butchers, Moira – three gold stars for one product
  
  
• Yellow Door, Portadown – three gold stars for one product

Arlene Foster continued: "It is immensely encouraging to see Northern Ireland winners in virtually every category and this will further enhance the profile of our products and processors in our key markets of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, other parts of Europe and the US.

"Food and drink here is a dynamic and progressive industry that's positioned for even faster growth particularly in markets outside Northern Ireland. And it's an industry the Executive and Invest Northern Ireland are keen to assist to achieve its undoubted potential."

(IT/JP)