Business

Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards open for entries

Nigel Walsh, director of commercial banking at Ulster Bank and Michael Bell, executive director for the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association
Nigel Walsh, director of commercial banking at Ulster Bank and Michael Bell, executive director for the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association Nigel Walsh, director of commercial banking at Ulster Bank and Michael Bell, executive director for the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association

ENTRIES have been opened for the 2017 Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards (NIFDA).

Principally sponsored by Ulster Bank, the awards are held biannually and are now in their 14th year.

With a total of 10 categories, ranging from best new product and best food safety innovation to supply chain and export excellence, the awards offer companies the chance to showcase their commitment to excellence in front of key industry stakeholders and customers.

Around 500 representatives of the agri-food sector are expected to attend the awards, which will be held on March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

Michael Bell, executive director for the NIFDA, encouraged all companies across the north to get involved and submit their entries.

"These awards recognise the commercial success of newly launched products and reward those companies who have gone the extra mile in ensuring that that their business operations are truly world class, and are highly valued and embraced by the industry," he said.

Nigel Walsh, director of commercial banking at Ulster Bank, said food and drink is a vital part of the north’s economy.

"As such, the NIFDA awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate success and showcase best practice to inspire those starting out in the sector," he added.

"This is a great opportunity to take the temperature of the industry and to hear about the opportunities and concerns from the key players."

The closing date for entries for the NIFDA is Friday February 24.