Tourism Northern Ireland hosted a food and drink event in Derry this week to showcase the region’s rich culinary offerings.

The aim of the event was to highlight the high quality of Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector, with a particular focus on nine businesses which recently benefited from support through the Tourism NI Food and Drink Experience Development Programme. 

This programme offered businesses from across Northern Ireland access to group workshops, one-one mentoring and market testing of their new experiences. 

The nine businesses which completed the programme included Two Stacks Whiskey, Wilde Dining, Lo & Slo, Tullymill Restaurant, Mrs C's Home Kitchen, Maeve's Kitchen, Willow and Lore, Dart Mountain Cheese, and Noreen's Nettles.

Among those who attended the showcase event were members of the Irish Guild of Fine Food and Drink Writers including Chair, Paula McIntyre

The event also presented the opportunity for the tourism businesses to meet with tour operators including Brack Tours, Brendan Vacations, CIE Tours and the Inbound Tourism Operaters Association Ireland (ITOA).

Those who attended the showcase enjoyed an immersive dining experience, with food and drink prepared by chef John Roche from Fermanagh, and Emily McCorkell and Shauna and Mark Froydland from the Legenderry Food and Drink Network. 

Following the event, key food media, influencers, and tour operators explored the best attractions and experiences Derry has to offer through crafted itineraries.

Gary Quate, Food & Drink Experience Manager at Tourism NI, said: “Tourism NI is thrilled to have hosted this event to not only celebrate Northern Ireland’s exceptional food and drink sector but also shine a spotlight on nine food and drink businesses which have received support and guidance under our Food and Drink Experience Development Programme to develop new market-ready visitor experiences. 

“It was a pleasure to use this opportunity to invite more than 30 key food and drink writers, influencers, and tour operators, including local legend, Paula McIntyre, Chef, and current Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild.

To learn more about the opportunities on offer to help your food and drink tourism business, check out www.tourismni.com