09 February 2011
Northern Ireland’s buoyant food and drink sector is set to celebrate the cream of the local industry with the launch of its Ulster Bank backed Northern Ireland Food & Drink Awards 2011
NIFDA Launches 2011 Food & Drink Industry Awards
Northern Ireland’s buoyant food and drink sector is set to celebrate the cream of the local industry with the launch of its Ulster Bank backed Northern Ireland Food & Drink Awards 2011
The bi-annual awards programme which is organised by the Northern Ireland Food & Drinks Association (NIFDA) and supported by principal sponsor Ulster Bank, features nine categories and attracts entries from a diverse range of manufacturers and suppliers from across Northern Ireland as well as restaurants, training organisations and sector event organisers.
“The local agri-food industry has demonstrated the ability and tenacity to grow in the most difficult economic climate experienced for many years and it’s vital that companies are rewarded for their forward thinking and innovative approach to business which is helping to sustain this sector and secure its future success” explained NIFDA Executive Director Michael Bell.
“Our awards were first introduced in 1997 and as principal sponsor Ulster Bank has partnered the awards scheme since 2007. NIFDA is extremely grateful to them for their continued support and welcomes Ulster Bank’s newly appointed Head of Business and Commercial Banking in Northern Ireland, Ian Jordan to the awards judging panel which includes a top line up of industry experts from government through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, agri-food organisations as well as key retailers, ASDA, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Sainsbury.“
Commenting on Ulster Bank’s contribution to the awards Ian Jordan, Head of Business and Commercial Banking NI said, “Ulster Bank has shown its commitment and confidence in the agri-food industry by providing financial support to many local companies operating in the sector and we continually strive to fund well-researched, dynamic and high calibre new business projects which help to grow the local economy and create new jobs.
“Ulster Bank is also delighted to partner high profile industry events such as the Balmoral Show and NIFDA’s Food & Drink Awards. It’s important that top achievers are commended for their hard work and business enterprise which in turn helps inspire others to start-up, expand and develop their businesses. We look forward to a wealth of high quality entries and an excellent awards ceremony on 25th March.”
The closing date for entries to the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Awards is Wednesday 2nd March and a new element introduced for the first time this year offers one free ticket for the Gala Awards ceremony on Friday 25th March at the Ramada Plaza Hotel for every validated submission received. Thirty second video clips will also be created for all short-listed entries and companies have the opportunity to utilise film clips for their website and/or presentation purposes.
Gala Awards evening tickets cost £100 plus vat. For more information on categories, entry requirements and to download an entry form visit www.nifda.co.uk or telephone 028 9024 1010.
« Go Back