'It’s a marvellous endorsement of our portfolio': Northern Ireland artisans aiming for all-Ireland glory in influential food awards

Many of Northern Ireland’s smaller food and drink producers are in the running for coveted all-Ireland trophies recognising quality, innovation and taste.

Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality outlets from across the region have also been shortlisted by a panel of expert judges in the highly influential Good Food Ireland Awards 2026.

Local food producers shortlisted include Long Meadow Cider and Juices of Loughgall, Co Armagh, one of the region’s most successful apple growers and processors, with a portfolio of products including award-winning ciders, apple juices and apple cider vinegar. Long Meadow is owned and run by the McKeever family, who operate a network of apple orchards.

Other producers shortlisted include Will Taylor’s Glastry Farm Ice Cream, based on the family’s dairy farm near Kircubbin in Co Down; Irish Black Butter, a sweet and savoury spread developed by Alastair Bell which has already won a host of UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards over the past five years; Ditty’s Artisan Bakery from Magherafelt; Crawford’s Rock Seaweed, a family business from Kilkeel in Co Down; Papas Minerals, a pioneer of traditional cordials in Belfast; and Hinch Distillery, a producer of Irish whiskey and gin based near Ballynahinch in Co Down, owned by respected entrepreneur Dr Terry Cross.

Hospitality establishments from Northern Ireland shortlisted among Ireland’s best include Killeavy Estate, Armagh; the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, Co Down; Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim; Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Londonderry; Dunluce Hotel restaurant in Co Antrim; Underground Dining in Bangor, Co Down; Galgorm Estate, Ballymena, Co Antrim; Culloden Hotel and Spa, Cultra, Co Down; and Fish City, Belfast.

Deli Indie Fude, which has shops specialising in local food in Belfast and Comber, has also been shortlisted for its unique retail experience.

Those on the local shortlist will discover whether they have won their respective categories at a gala presentation and dinner in Dublin on November 16. The organisation will also celebrate its 20th anniversary at the black-tie event.

Founded by food lover Margaret Jeffares in 2006 to promote Irish food and drink and champion culinary tourism across the island, Good Food Ireland will bring together the people and businesses that have helped shape the industry, continue to drive it forward and contribute enormously to the economic wellbeing of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Mrs Jeffares, managing director of Good Food Ireland, explains: “Our awards recognise the businesses, producers, experiences and people putting Irish food and drink at the heart of what they do, connecting visitors with Irish produce, people, place, provenance and story.”

The prestigious awards cover hospitality; dining; five-star hotel experiences; pubs; sustainable culinary tourism; individual producers; the Irish Hospitality Ambassador of the Year; and the Supreme Award of the Year 2026.

Mrs Jeffares continues: “Good Food Ireland is an all-Ireland initiative for food tourism and provenance. It acts as a trusted quality assurance and travel guide, connecting food lovers with authentic, responsibly sourced and locally rooted Irish food and drink experiences.

“The brand promotes, in particular, local agriculture, traditional food preservation and sustainable tourism that highlights Ireland’s grass-fed dairy, seafood and craft production.

“A membership body, Good Food Ireland works closely with state bodies in the Republic, such as Bord Bia, the Dublin-based state-funded food and drink promotion agency, including on trade missions overseas.

“Our operation features The Collection, a curated network of approved hotels, farmers, restaurants, producers, retailers, chefs and other supporters. This presentation of awards brings together people who share a passion for Ireland and its culinary future,” adds Mrs Jeffares.

Farmer Will Taylor of Glastry Farm Ice Cream in Kircubbin says: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted in the dairy product category. It’s a marvellous endorsement of our portfolio of ice cream and sorbets. I am confident that this important recognition will help enormously as we continue to grow our business across Ireland. Good Food Ireland is a marvellous supporter of Irish food, drink and hospitality.”

Sharing Will’s enthusiasm for Good Food Ireland is Catherine McKeever of family-owned Long Meadow Cider, who says: “We’ve been shortlisted in major categories for visitor experience for our programme of tours and on-farm activities and also for our focus on sustainability.

“It’s tremendous for a small farming enterprise to be recognised in one of Ireland’s most influential food and drink competitions. In addition to our portfolio of award-winning ciders and juices, we have a thriving business focused on tourists and other visitors.

“Our unique Bramley Barn, a significant investment for us, has become an important local venue for a wide range of entertainment, including theatre performances,” adds Catherine.