The first Food Heartland Awards in association with NFU Mutual, led by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has taken place at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre. Over 60 businesses from across the borough competed across the 12 award categories which aims to showcase the borough’s local produce, the people behind the thriving agri-food sector as well as highlight the sector’s potential for growth and positive impact on the local economy.
The categories, sponsors and winners were:
Best New Start Award sponsored by JPH Law
Burren Balsamics
Best Growth Business Award sponsored by Armagh Business Centre, Banbridge District Enterprise, CIDO
Armagh Cider Company
Best Export Business Award sponsored by InterTradeIreland
Moy Park
Best Marketing Initiative Award sponsored by U105
Irwin’s Bakery
Innovation Award sponsored by Avondale Foods
Kestrel Foods
Sustainability Award sponsored by Farming Life, Lurgan Mail, Portadown Times
Harnett’s Oil
Best Dish Using Local Ingredients Award sponsored Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Newforge House
Best Use of a PGI Product in a Dish Award sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland
The Moody Boar
Best Use of a PGI Product Award sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland
Long Meadow Cider
Rising Star Award sponsored Southern Regional College
Kevin McCann – P McCann & Sons
Best Licensed Eating Establishment Award sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
The Moody Boar
Best Non-Licensed Eating Establishment Award sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Yellow Door (Portadown)
Best Independent Retail Food Business Award sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
High Street Harvest
Industry Ambassador Award sponsored by NFU Mutual
Irwin’s Bakery
Congratulating the Award winners, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Cllr Darryn Causby said:
“On behalf of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners and finalists of our first Food Heartland Awards in association with NFU Mutual. It has been an incredible journey and over the past few months we have been privileged and inspired to see the hard-work and dedication of local food companies as well as the abundance of top quality produce and producers that exists within our borough. Along with our continued partnership with The Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 and our ongoing commitment to this industry, through the Food Heartland Forum, businesses within the borough will have ongoing opportunities to showcase their wonderful products and businesses which will only serve to benefit them but have a positive impact on our local economy.”
Roger Wilson, Chief Executive of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council commented:
“The Food Heartland Awards in association with NFU Mutual has provided a fantastic opportunity for this sector to showcase their excellence and innovation and I would like to congratulate all of our winners as well as commend all our finalists. Everyone who has taken part in the awards has helped to champion this important industry as well as help position us as a top foodie destination. We hope that everyone will continue to play a part of our on-going strategic commitment to grow the local economy and the agri-food sector. These awards are just the beginning as we continue on our journey to position our borough as the number one food destination in Northern Ireland and ensure that it plays its part on making a positive impact on our local economy.”
Libby Morgan, from NFU Mutual, Associate Sponsor of the Food Heartland Awards said:
“On behalf of NFU Mutual we are delighted to be the associate sponsor for the First Food Heartland Awards. This has been a fantastic, vibrant and innovative evening which has showcased the very best that the borough has to offer especially in the agri-food sector. We congratulate all of the winners as well as everyone who has been shortlisted and we very much look forward to watching the borough develop and grow as a top food destination.”
For further details visit www.foodheartland.com or e-mail foodheartland@ndevents.com. Follow Food Heartland Awards on Facebook Food Heartland and twitter@FoodHeartlandNI #FHLAwards16.
