Food and drink is Northern Ireland’s most dynamic industry and a major driver of growth in business with the Republic of Ireland and further afield.
The success of the industry, contributing around £4.5 billion annually to the regional economy, is the result of the dedication of companies to innovative food and drink products that meet the requirements of individual retailers and foodservice organisations in the Republic for consistently high-quality food that combines outstanding taste with safety and provenance.
Our companies, both large and small, are experienced in working with clients in the Republic, one of our biggest markets, in the development of products for specific opportunities to the quality and volumes required. They are able to respond quickly and cost-effectively because of their flexible operations and very short and fully traceable supply chains to farmers, packaging businesses and transport providers. They operate to the highest European hygiene and safety standards such as BRC and SALSA.
The quality and innovation underpinning this important industry have earned companies major awards in globally recognised events, including the UK and Irish Quality Food Awards, Blas na hEireann Awards, the UK Great Taste Awards, the World Cheese Awards, the US Speciality Food Awards and the International Beer Challenge.
Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) works closely with companies that are planning to invest almost €2 billion over the next five years, across a broad range of activities including product development, process innovation and international marketing.
Brokering business relationships between local food and drink companies and retailers and foodservice operators in the Republic of Ireland and further afield is a strategic priority for Invest NI and is co-ordinated by a team of food development executives based in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and other parts of Europe and further afield.
"It is our pleasure to sponsor the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards. We recognise the important role of “Q” Awards in highlighting product quality and supplier professionalism and confidently look forward to benchmarking Northern Ireland produce against the best in the industry."

DAIRYMAID is very proud to sponsor the Retailer of the Year at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 2022.

My team is dedicated to producing great tasting food with a keen focus on natural ingredients, recyclability and sustainability.

Our job is to develop products that support and drive business growth, helping to maximise sales, profitability and most importantly customer loyalty. The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards is a fantastic platform for hard working suppliers and retailers alike.

As part of the Lisavaird Co Op Food Group, JDS Foods, parent company of the Dairymaid Brand, is a leading manufacturer of private label dairy, specialist and branded spreads. The company was established by James Daly & Sons in 1871, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021 and traces its origins to the Cork Butter Exchange located under the world-famous Shandon Bells in the historic heart of Cork City, Ireland.

We use West Cork cream in Dairymaid, bringing a taste of one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions to your table. Dairymaid sources its cream from free-roaming herds in West Cork. Our happy, grass fed cows produce some of the world’s best and most natural dairy products that are 100% traceable.

John Forbes
Managing Director
JDS Foods
Lisavaird Co Op Food Group

Dunnes Stores has been part of the fabric of Irish life for over 70 years. A family run, privately owned Irish company with almost 15,000 employees and over 150 stores throughout Ireland, the U.K. and Spain.
The Simply Better Team, along with their Simply Better Ambassador Neven Maguire, judge all small producer entries and selected their winner. The successful company will have the opportunity to work directly with the Simply Better Development & Buying team, as well as receiving marketing support to help launch their brand with Dunnes Stores.

"We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Small Producer Award this year. It’s been a pleasure working with our previous winners and we look forward to seeing some new and innovative products from producers around Ireland."
Daragh Lawless, Design Brand Manager, Simply Better

IFEX, Northern Ireland’s largest foodservice, hospitality, and retail event returns to the TEC, Belfast from 29th – 31st March and celebrating its 25th anniversary, it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated industry events of the year.

For those looking to source the latest food and drink products, catering equipment, technology and services or simply keep their fingers on the pulse on the hottest trends, the event promises to serve up innovative new business ideas and will combine quality produce with world-class culinary competitions across the three days. A ‘one stop shop’ for discovering some of the best products that NI has to offer – including a NEW Hospitality Skills Hub, NEW IFEX Innovation Awards and the return of the Great Taste Market, bringing together the best of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s specialty food and drink products.

IFEX 2022 is taking place from Tuesday 29th March to Thursday 31st March at the TEC, Belfast. The show opens daily at 10am and runs until 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and to 4pm on Thursday.

Free to attend, registration for the show is now open.

Established for over 20 years, Irishfood magazine has extensive knowledge and insight into Ireland's thriving food and drinks industry. The Irish food and drinks industry has acquired international recognition as a leading food-producing country, famous for its 'green image' and unspoiled environment. Irishfood magazine reports on the success of Ireland's largest export industry, an industry that is founded on natural production methods, stringent food controls at farm and processing level and a committed customer service. Through innovation, state-of-the-art technology and a passion for the industry, Ireland's major players are enjoying worldwide renown for their products and service.
Irishfood magazine is distributed digitally and direct mailed to key industry players and food and drink buyers in Ireland and throughout the world. Circulation is broken down into multiples, symbol groups, specialist outlets, caterers, major distribution chains and foodservice companies. This mailing list is compiled and distributed with the assistance of Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board); digitally via the organisation’s global network of offices, and at international trade fairs and events that take place throughout the year.

Retail News, Ireland’s longest established grocery trade magazine, has been reporting on the evolution of Ireland’s FMCG sector for over 60 years, from the birth of the supermarket, through the dawn of discounters and the rise of the value-conscious consumer, carrying valuable information on all aspects of the trade news, sectoral profiles, feature articles, guest interviews and contributors, shop profiles, “who’s who” in the industry, what’s new and much more.