Something very tasty is happening in Northern Ireland. From Belfast to Ballycastle and Newry to Omagh, clever businesses are building the country’s reputation for incredible food and drink with real provenance.

The proof? Just take a look at this year’s biannual Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards. While it’s been running since 1997, this year saw the highest number of entries ever. Hosted by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), it’s a culmination of 30 years of hard work supporting, pinpointing and championing producers – from the micro to the multinational.

These awards are the Oscars of the food world in Northern Ireland, and a win can mean a major retailer takes an interest in a business’ product – the ultimate goal for many food and drink producers.

Gongs are given out to the best new products; companies are highlighted for their sustainability credentials; larger manufacturers and foodservice businesses are championed as much as the country’s smaller, more artisanal producers. Together, each annual slew of awards provides a snapshot of just how exciting Northern Ireland’s food scene is.

‘Northern Ireland continues to punch above its weight on the global scale when it comes to food and drink,’ says Michael Bell OBE, NIFDA’s executive director. ‘Our industry supports more than 113,000 jobs across the supply chain and generates close to £5bn in added value annually. It’s not only a significant contribution to the local economy and to communities right across the region, but it’s also a source of immense pride, showcasing the quality, innovation and resilience that defines our sector.’

Some of the biggest winners of this year included Gilfresh Produce, which received a nod for the launch of its ‘Warty Goblin’ pumpkins outside of Northern Ireland; a big hit in the run-up to Halloween. An exclusive variety grown slowly in Ireland, they offer a double-hit of display appeal (each orange pumpkin is covered in dark green ‘warts’, adding to the spooky appeal) and an intense, sweet flavour – far removed from the watery pumpkins design for carving only.

Aside from warty veg, producers of all sizes won big on the night too. Crawford’s Rock, a small artisan producer harvesting seaweed by hand, took home a prize for its ‘Dillisk Sprinkles’ dulse, sold in a pepper mill. Deli Lites, a much bigger company, won for the launch of its chicken goujon wraps for Aer Lingus. Two very different producers, but both showcasing Northern Ireland’s thriving food scene.

In the less talked about (but just as important) world of foodservice, potato producer Wilson’s Country was awarded for its new gluten-free potato croquettes. For healthier products – an ever-growing category – Fibre Up’s sparking fruit juices won for offering a drink containing half of your daily fibre needs.

It’s wins like these which prove why these awards are so important; while the particular products may not get the same press attention of Northern Irish cheese or whiskey, they are the products which more people actually consume and put Northern Irish food innovation on the map. We’re sure the 2028 awards will have even more entries – and even more inventive producers showcasing their creations.

The full list of winners includes:

Best New Product – Micro Company, Sponsored by Kinecx Energy: Crawford’s Rock Dillisk Sprinkles / Seaweed Flakes with Roasted Garlic

Best New Product – Small Company, Sponsored by Kinecx Energy: Big Pot Co Nourish Pot Bone Broth Vegetable Soup

Best New Product – Medium Company, Sponsored by Kinecx Energy: Simply Fruit Sparkling Pink Lady Apple Juice

Best New Product – Large Company, Sponsored by Kinecx Energy: Deli Lites Ireland Aer Lingus Salt ‘n’ Chilli Chicken Goujon Wrap

Best New Product – Service Sector, Sponsored by NIFDA: Wilson’s Country Gluten Free Crunchy Crumb Potato Croquettes

Best New Product Launch Outside Northern Ireland, Sponsored by Invest NI: Gilfresh Produce The Warty Goblin Pumpkin

Most Sustainable Supply Chain Award, Sponsored by DAERA: Dale Farm

Sustainability Energy Leadership Award, Sponsored by Ortus Energy: Wilson’s Country

Healthier Product Innovation Award, Sponsored by the FSA: Fibre Up Sparkling Fruit Juices

Food Safety Innovation Award, Sponsored by Safefood: W G Buchanan & Sons

Advanced Food & Drink Manufacturing Award, Sponsored by Birnie Consultancy: McColgan’s

Rising Star Award, Sponsored by Vickerstock: Samuel Turner, Finnebrogue

Outstanding Contribution Award, Sponsored by NIFDA: Ross Reed, Founder and Chair of Interfrigo