LMC sponsors NIFDA awards

THE agri-food industry put its best foot forward on Friday night (27 February) with representatives gathering at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast for the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) awards dinner. The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) was delighted to once again sponsor this biennial event which celebrates the initiative and business acumen of the local food and drink sector.

LMC board members and the Commission’s Chief Executive Colin Smith attended the event accompanied by guests from the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. Speaking afterwards Colin said, “We were delighted to attend the NIFDA awards dinner to demonstrate our unwavering support for the local agri-food sector. The event was a fantastic platform to showcase the very best of Northern Ireland food and drink.

“LMC sponsored the food offering on the night. We are pleased that guests had an opportunity to sample Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) produce. NIFQA farmers are a vital part of the local food sector and LMC was pleased to take this opportunity to enhance promotion of the immense contributions they make to producing nutritious and sustainable beef and lamb. In that regard it was fitting that the NIFQA beef daube formed a central part of the evening’s main course.”

Throughout the course of the evening the successes of businesses of all sizes were celebrated. Extending congratulations to all award winners and finalists, Colin said, “Throughout the course of the evening two key themes truly shone through, that being innovation and sustainability, with success stories shared throughout the night. It was positive to see the high calibre of businesses nominated for awards, with all category winners deserving of the accolades received. Our congratulations also go to Northern Ireland Food and Drink for organising this event and providing a showcase for the local agri-food sector.”