Mid and East Antrim Borough Council proudly hosted local businesses at Council’s stand at the prestigious Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland's largest agricultural event, in May.
The NI Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show provided an excellent platform for local businesses to exhibit their products and connect with industry professionals and consumers alike. Council is committed to nurturing and promoting talented entrepreneurs and their exceptional offerings and this year hosted seven local food and drink businesses - showcasing their fantastic products and services.
Among them were Flossy Treats, offering vintage-style confectionary and artisan chocolate making workshops; Linda's Original, known for their artisan baked treats and newly developed cookie range and Hillstown Farm Shop, renowned for their multi-award-winning meats sourced directly from the farm to the fork. The other featured businesses included Becca's Bakes, Polly & Archies, Dobb's Farm - and the exciting new initiative Carrickfergus Community Greengrocers.
Pictured is Mayor or Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna.
Council's partnership working with Carrickfergus Community Greengrocers aligns with the ongoing work of the Mid and East Antrim Sustainable Food Partnership. Comprised of public sector bodies, third sector representatives, local businesses, academic institutions, local farmers/producers, community groups, and the Council, this partnership aims to make healthy, locally sourced food available for everyone in an affordable, convenient, and environmentally sustainable manner.
The new community-owned greengrocer initiative connects local farmers and producers with the community, reduce food miles, supportssustainable farming practices, and contributes to a healthy and vibrant community. All profits from Carrickfergus Greengrocers will be reinvested in the business and other local initiatives benefitting the community.
Building on the success of these initiatives, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Agri Food and Drink Business Event Series - commencing in July 2023.
Recognising our Borough's rich agrifood and drink heritage and the importance of this sector to the economy, Council is committed to driving economic activity, creating jobs and supporting businesses throughout the supply chain.
Responding to the needs identified in a skills audit conducted by Birnie Consultancy - Council has developed a comprehensive business event series to address key areas of development such as marketing, finance and environmental sustainability.
The program will bring together businesses, industry experts and key stakeholdersand will provide networking opportunities, knowledge sharing and collaboration. Through workshops, masterclasses and networking events, the series aims to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for sustainable growth and success.
The Agri Food and Drink Business Event Series will kick off with the "Confident Pricing for Profit" workshop on Tuesday 25 July 2023 - from 10am to 12noon at Ecos Hub in Ballymena.
Interested participants are encouraged to secure their spot by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/confident-pricing-for-profit-mid-and-east-antrim-food-and-drink-network-tickets-667466920527?aff=oddtdtcreator
Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited.
For further information and updates about Mid and East Antrim Food and Drink Network please email: Mary.oboyle@midandeastantrim.gov.uk