'˜We can deliver for food and drink industry'

The Ministers attended an event to launch the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink initiative and said they had faith in the sector to pull off a significant success.

“The quality of our food is a major reason why people come to Northern Ireland,” said Mrs Foster.

“Food tourism already generates over £350million per year to the local economy, but I believe there is significant room for further growth.

“Tonight’s event gives us the opportunity to unashamedly restate that Northern Ireland’s food and drink heritage is not just unique, but among the finest tastes and flavours to be found anywhere in the world.

“As the next 12 months of food and drink experiences unfold, there will be no better time for locals, visitors and global markets alike to enjoy a true taste of Northern Ireland.”

Mr McGuinness said food and drink was “an important element of our tourism proposition and global pitch”.

“This £2.75m initiative will assist everyone involved in the food and drink industry to take our influence to another level. It is an important element of our ambition to build and develop a £1 billion tourism industry by the end of the decade.

“We must drive quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship which will increase employment capacity in the food and hospitality sectors. I urge everyone with a role to play to do everything they possibly can to support this initiative to develop, enhance and promote the food and drink product at home and abroad.”