'A record-breaking night of celebration': Over 500 guests gather as Northern Ireland’s food and drink stars shine

Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector was celebrated in style at NIFDA’s most competitive awards to date, honouring the innovation, quality, and drive of local manufacturers.

The event was held in front of over 500 guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with the evening hosted by BBC presenter Mark Simpson.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) and supported by principal partner Kinecx Energy, the biennial awards have become a landmark event for the industry, attracting ministers, lawmakers, retailers, producers, and manufacturers alike.

Now in its 18th year, the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards are widely recognised as a benchmark of excellence. The event offers companies a high-profile platform to showcase their creativity, quality, and innovation to key buyers and decision-makers.

Leading retailers including Asda, Lidl NI, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco also play a pivotal role on the expert judging panel, ensuring winners are recognised by those shaping the local and national marketplace.

Michael Bell OBE, executive director at NIFDA, said: “Northern Ireland continues to punch above its weight on the global scale when it comes to food and drink. 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.

“The awards exist to recognise the impact of our eating eco-system and the people behind it. As NIFDA marks 30 years representing this industry, it is fitting that the 2026 awards have been our largest and most competitive to date. The calibre of entries reflects a sector that is cutting edge, ambitious and continually investing in its people, products and processes.

“The judging process was exceptionally difficult this year, but it proved exactly why Northern Ireland is recognised internationally for excellence in food and drink. Thank you to every business that entered and to those who joined us for a record-breaking night of celebration.”

Niall Martindale, chief executive Officer at Kinecx Energy, principal partner for the event, added: “The food and drink industry remains a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s economy, and it was a privilege to partner with NIFDA once again for the awards during the 30th anniversary year.

“We are proud to be involved with a sector driven by exceptional people and an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. Through the Kinecx Energy network, we have supported the energy requirements of many food and drink businesses since 2005, and we continue to play an important role in the transition to a lower carbon future.

“Our focus on growing Northern Ireland’s circular economy, particularly through the integration of biomethane into our network, aligns closely with the ambitions of every organisation operating within this sector. We look forward to continuing our support for its growth and sustainability in the years to come.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s award finalist and winners.”

This year’s 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