SPAR NI champions local suppliers with new ‘Taste of Summer’ range at Balmoral Show

The team will once again be offering SPAR Big Reds, their iconic red Stetsons, to show-goers for a donation towards Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children.

SPAR Northern Ireland is set to make a flavoursome return to the Balmoral Show this May, showcasing a brand-new summer food range and continuing its commitment to supporting local producers.

From 14th to 17th May, the SPAR marquee will become a hub of culinary excitement as the retailer unveils its ‘Taste of Summer’ range, offering visitors an early opportunity to sample fresh, locally produced dishes crafted for al fresco dining.

Highlights of the new seasonal selection include salt and chilli pork belly, BBQ chicken, and an array of vibrant side salads such as Bombay-style potato salad, basil pesto pasta and spicy couscous — all made with ingredients sourced from Northern Irish farms and suppliers.

SPAR NI’s resident award-winning chef, Carl Johannesson, will be on hand to provide live cooking demonstrations and inspire visitors with summer meal ideas. Carl, who has created hundreds of recipes in SPAR’s Randalstown-based production kitchen, is the culinary force behind the retailer’s popular in-store food brand, The Kitchen.

Bronagh Luke from SPAR NI. It is the 14th year SPAR NI has supported Balmoral Show as Platinum Sponsor.

This year marks the 14th consecutive year SPAR NI has supported the Balmoral Show as a Platinum Sponsor. Alongside culinary offerings, the brand’s presence will once again include its iconic red Stetsons — known as SPAR Big Reds — available in exchange for donations to Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children. In 2024, the initiative raised more than £24,000 for the two charities.

“We’re looking forward to returning to the Balmoral Show as Platinum Sponsors for the 14th year,” said Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland.

“We’re especially proud to introduce our ‘Taste of Summer’ range, crafted for long, bright days of BBQs and outdoor dining. It’s a brilliant opportunity for shoppers to try something new, made with quality ingredients from trusted local producers.”

True to its community ethos, SPAR NI is placing local suppliers at the heart of its presence at the Show.

“As a local, family-run business, we are committed to supporting Northern Ireland’s vibrant agri-food sector, which has garnered acclaim far beyond our shores,” added Bronagh. “It’s a privilege to work alongside so many passionate producers and to shine a spotlight on their achievements.”

SPAR NI will once again return to Balmoral Show from 14th – 17th May.  

The SPAR marquee promises fun for the whole family, featuring interactive rugby games, a mini SPAR shop play zone, and a special performance by The Rock Choir at 3pm on Saturday 18th May.

Visitors can also enjoy Barista Bar coffee and iced beverages, treats from the Enjoy Local range, and take home a limited edition SPAR Big Reds tote bag.

An on-site SPAR convenience store will ensure show-goers can pick up everyday essentials, with a promotional offer of a complimentary 500ml bottle of SPAR still water with every sandwich or wrap purchased from the local Delish range.

Bronagh concluded:

“Balmoral Show is a major event for us. It’s not only a chance to connect with customers, but also to engage directly with the farmers and suppliers who are the backbone of our offering. With more than 500 SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores across Northern Ireland, we’re proud to deliver fresh, local and affordable food to our communities — and the Balmoral Show is the perfect platform to celebrate that.”

The Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland’s largest agricultural event, runs from 14th to 17th May at Balmoral Park, Lisburn. SPAR NI invites all visitors to stop by their marquee for a true taste of local summer.