BBC Food and Farming Awards to be held in Northern Ireland for first time

Countryfile’s Adam Henson, Local chef, broadcaster and Head Judge Paula McIntyre and Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme launch nominations for the awards at The Balmoral Show

Northern Ireland’s food and farming industry is set for a major national spotlight after it was confirmed the BBC Food and Farming Awards will be hosted here for the first time ever later this year.

The prestigious UK-wide awards ceremony will take place at Titanic Belfast in October 2026, bringing some of the biggest names in British food, farming and broadcasting to Northern Ireland while showcasing local producers, growers, chefs and food businesses to a national audience.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector, which has increasingly gained recognition for its produce, hospitality and culinary reputation across the UK and beyond.

Local chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre has been appointed Head Judge for the 2026 awards and helped launch this year’s nominations alongside Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme and Adam Henson at the Balmoral Show near Lisburn earlier this month.

Major showcase for Northern Ireland food sector

The awards are regarded as one of the BBC’s flagship celebrations of British food culture and have recognised hundreds of producers, farmers, restaurants, innovators and food champions since launching in 2000.

This year’s move to Northern Ireland is expected to generate significant attention for local suppliers and businesses, particularly as the region continues to build its reputation for premium produce, artisan food and sustainable farming.

Adam Smyth, Director of  BBC Northern Ireland, described hosting the event locally as “a proud moment”.

He said:

“Each year, the awards celebrate the people and places at the heart of the UK’s food industry, and we’re delighted that this year’s awards will showcase our local suppliers who have a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the finest food across these islands.”

For many local producers, the event presents a rare opportunity to gain exposure through BBC platforms including BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, Farming Today and Countryfile.

Highlights from the ceremony will also be broadcast later this autumn.

New award launched for Northern Ireland food heroes

A new category created specifically for Northern Ireland will also feature in the 2026 awards.

The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award will recognise local producers and social enterprises supplying high-quality seasonal food that reflects Northern Ireland’s distinct food culture and flavours.

The category is expected to shine a spotlight on smaller independent producers and community-focused food initiatives across towns and rural areas throughout Northern Ireland.

Head Judge Paula McIntyre, Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, and Countryfile’s Adam Henson launch nominations for the awards at The Balmoral Show.

Paula McIntyre said she was “thrilled” to see the awards arriving in Northern Ireland for the first time.

She said:

“With over 30 years’ experience as a chef, and someone who has championed local culinary traditions and ingredients, I can’t wait to discover even more wonderful produce from across the UK.”

Meanwhile, Sheila Dillon said Northern Ireland’s food culture has deep connections to local communities, economies and health.

“I’m so pleased that the BBC Food and Farming Awards are in Northern Ireland this year,” she said.

“My father came from Northern Ireland so I am very fond of the place and know what a rich food culture there is here.”

Industry recognition comes as sector continues to grow

The announcement comes as Northern Ireland’s agri-food and hospitality sectors continue to expand their national and international profile.

Food tourism, artisan producers and farm-to-table dining experiences have become increasingly important parts of the local economy, with many independent businesses gaining recognition well beyond Northern Ireland.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said hosting the awards would provide another “high-profile opportunity” to showcase the sector.

He said:

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the nominations process, as we begin building momentum towards Northern Ireland hosting this highly acclaimed event.”

The awards are supported by  Food NI with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Since launching in 2000 to mark the 20th anniversary of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, the awards have celebrated more than 450 finalists from over 75,000 nominations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The organisers say the original mission remains unchanged — “to honour those who have done most to promote the cause of good food.”

Categories and how to enter

The categories for the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026 are:

• Best Food Producer Awards

• Best Drinks Producer Award

• The Digital Creator Awards

• The Farming for the Future Awards with The Archers and Farming Today

• The Food Innovation Awards

• Countryfile Young Countryside Champion

• The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award

• Derek Cooper Outstanding Achievement Award

Nominations officially open from 6am on Friday 22 May 2026 and close at 12pm on Monday 15 June 2026.

Full details on categories and how to enter are available at:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards

The judging panel for this year’s awards is expected to be announced in the coming months as preparations continue for the October ceremony in Belfast.