Northern Ireland food artisans came together recently in Belfast in The Good Food & Wine Company Food Hall and Teahouse , Victoria Square to discuss the way forward for local artisan food produce. In a collective session, ‘Food for Thought’ run by Lestas Consulting on behalf of the SEED (South East Economic Development) Food to Follow programme, artisan producers discussed the importance of profiling themselves, distribution and maximising sales in the lead up to Christmas.

Representatives from Invest NI; University of Ulster LOCFOOD, and economic development officers from the seven council areas involved in food programmes - Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down, Newry and Mourne; and Magherafelt were also in attendance.

Michelle Lestas, Lestas Consulting said –"Northern Ireland has now a wealth of small food artisans producing quality products from preserves to baking to cured meats and oils, giving us a wonderful food offering. Today’s session with local producers was all about how we can take this skill and expertise to the next level and the marketing opportunities available.”

David Patterson, Down District Council commented, “Some of the artisan producers here today are part of the SEED (South East Economic Development) Food to Follow programme run in the six council areas of Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry and Mourne and we are delighted to see their progress to date. Artisan food produce is now worth millions to the local economy and it is important we find ways to maintain its growth.”

Photo shows (l-r)  Mary Young, Invest NI; Will Taylor, Glastry Farm Ice- cream, Kircubbin; Tracey Jeffrey, Eva Paris Macarons, Killinchy; Ian Morrison  Corporate Crepe, Killyleagh, Michelle Lestas, Lestas Consulting ; and David Patterson , Down District Council.