News And Events
2008 Taste of Ulster Forum
Monday 31 March 2008
The 2008 Taste of Ulster Forum took place on Monday March 31 at the Baby Grand Suite at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, inviting members of Taste of Ulster to meet, network and debate on Taste of Ulster & the way forward!
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The 2008 Taste of Ulster Forum, took place on Monday 31stMarchat the Baby Grand in Belfast's Grand Opera House, invitingmembers of Taste of Ulster to meet, network and debate onTaste of Ulster & the way ahead.
Michael Bell, Executive Director of Taste of Ulster said: "The Taste of Ulster Forum is a wonderful opportunity to network with like minded individuals, discuss making Taste of Ulster better and stronger and meet artisan and speciality food producers. In addition there is an opportunity to hear from some off our top industry professionals.”
The Forum, sponsored by Deep RiverRock and Henderson Foodservice, hosted talks from Taste of Ulster Chairman Nick Price, Michael Bell, celebrity chef Paul Rankin and Emmet McCorry of Coca-Cola. There was also an opportunity for attendees to take part in various workshops and network with various exhibitors.
Taste of Ulster Forum Commentary
This year more establishments than ever have applied to be part of Taste of Ulster, a voluntary registration scheme.
Michael Bell believes this is testament to the commitment to good local food by Northern Ireland’s leading eateries.
Emma Andrews from Cafe Nosh, who appeared in the Taste of Ulster Guide 2008/2009, said: "Cafe Nosh have a promise dedicated to providing the best quality of local food to our customers. We feel it is very beneficial to provide customers with top quality local food and produce because it not only supports the local economy but customers appreciate good food from the areas around them.
"We at Cafe Nosh recognise Taste of Ulster as a stepping stone in striving to produce the best quality of local food for our customers".
EXHIBITORS COMMENTS FROM THE 2008 TASTE OF ULSTER FORUM:
Helen Troughton from Armagh Cider Company said: "It is important for consumers to support local produce because if people support their local farmers and their local products it means the money goes back into their own community and therefore helps the economy of Northern Ireland.
"Northern Ireland is already producing the best food there is so why import food from other countries, why not support your own".
Will Taylor from Glastry Farm Ice Cream said: "We already supply to several Taste of Ulster restaurants. I think it is absolutely vital that there is a solid network of produces and services in the local food chain. It is important that this isn't just in theory and we aren't just talking the talk but that we are actually walking the walk. "I passionately believe that from the evidence we have there is a desire for consumers to know the source and origin of raw materials that are on a diner's plate. Consumers in Northern Ireland are increasingly more aware of where a product comes from and in particular diners are following the path of retail establishments and asking the pertinent questions about source and origin".
Tracy Hamilton from Mash Direct said: "We believe it is important to exhibit in order to build awareness of our business and the local products we have to offer.
"In Northern Ireland, we have local producers we can be proud of, local restaurants are key in identifying, highlighting and, indeed, celebrating this by using raw materials with ultimate freshness. This is about everyone working together in a co-ordinated way to reach out to consumers with a strong, clear and united message that local food is of the highest quality and we have the opportunity not only to put ourselves on the global market but also to boost the local economy and support the agricultural community".
