The Lord Mayor recently hosted a celebration event to recognise the award success of our local farmers, food and drink producers, retailers and those in the hospitality sector at the South Lake Leisure Centre.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough is home to outstanding agriculatural and agri-food businesses who are commited to quality, and it is this focus on excellence which is at the core of the Borough’s reputation as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland. Attendees at the celebration event had all recently secured recognition on a regional and global platform their business acumen, award-winning produce and customer service.
Amongst local winners recognised at the celebration were food producers who collectively gained 35 coveted gold stars in the Great Taste Awards and 16 Irish Food Awards 2021, as well as the Tiptree World Bread Awards. Award winning producers attending included Burren Balsamics, Holmes Bakery and Krazi Baker. Local farmer, Simon Best recently announced as Farmers Weekly UK Arable Farmer of the Year 2021, was also celebrated at the event for his commitment to sustainable, nature-friendly farming practices that can boost farm livelihoods without compromising the environment.
Other award winning business celebrated included Vera and Ernie’s Café, Rathfriland and Basil Sheil’s Bar and Restaurant, Armagh from the local hospitality scene who had received coveted Ulster Tatler Awards, as well ast Super Valu Fruitfield recent winner of UK independent Retailer of the Year 2021.
Celebrating the success of the winners, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Glenn Barr, commented,
“This Borough is home to world-class businesses and Council is immensely proud of our local agricultural, agri-food, hospitality and retail businesses who continue to secure awards on a global stage.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is committed to building our reputation as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland by supporting all businesses across the supply chain, from field to fork and working with partners to drive forward innovation, sustainability and business growth.
Representing the richness and diversity of local agriculture, food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors, all award winners embody the genuine love and passion for what they do and where they are from, which is a common thread throughout.These awards highlight the drive, dedication and commitment of the outstanding people working across the board and I commend you all on your success. “
To learn more about the Food Heartland please visit: foodheartland.com
