Mr Dodds was speaking at a special reception, organised by Invest Northern Ireland, for the 14 small companies which gained a total of 24 gold awards in the UK’s most prestigious food industry event, held in London.
At the reception in Belfast, the Minister presented two special awards - Mrs Suzanne Smyth of Drumgooland Smokehouse, Castlewellan, the overall Northern Ireland winner, for her Hot Smoked Salmon, and the runner-up Paul Getty of Heatherlea Bakery, Bangor for his Rich Fruit Loaf.
Mr Dodds said: “Winning a Great Taste Award is clear recognition of the quality of innovation within the food industry, especially within the small business sector.
“Over a third of all manufacturing sales in Northern Ireland derive from the food, drink and tobacco sector, which shows just how important the industry is to our economy. Speciality food is an important and growing segment within the overall grocery market with sales in the UK worth £3.6 billion in 2006.
“Year-on-year the sector shows growth as consumers trade up to better quality food and drink; they are increasingly looking for innovation, for authenticity, for provenance and above all, for great taste.”
Invest NI recognises the contribution of the food industry to the health of the local economy and it has taken significant steps to increase its practical support to companies across a broad range of areas including marketing, new product development and design.
Minister Dodds said: “Invest NI’s Food division has a team of highly experienced people and an unrivalled package of support to help grow sales and business profitably in this important sector.
“The qualities of innovation, dedication to excellence and enterprise are exemplified here today in this array of exceptional food and drink from Northern Ireland.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Northern Ireland winners in the Great Taste Awards 2007 were:
Best Speciality Product from Northern Ireland: Drumgooland Smokehouse, Castlewellan – hot smoked salmon;
Runner Up in Best Speciality Product from Northern Ireland: Heatherlea Bakery, Bangor – rich fruit loaf
Baxter Murray Creative Chocolates, Belfast – chocolate truffles
Fivemiletown Creamery, Fivemiletown – Ballyoak smoked soft cheese
Genesis Bakery, Magherafelt – Crafty wheaten breads
Koka Chocolates, Newtownabbey – truffles
Mash Direct, Comber – mashed potatoes and vegetables
North South Coffee Company, Armagh – blended coffee
Offbeat Bottling Company, Bangor – mulled wine marmalade with brandy
Shaken Not Stirred, Castlewellan – sauces and marinades
Suki Tea Company, Belfast – fruit teas
Shazzam, Enniskillen – chutney
Whitewater Brewing Company, Kilkeel – ale
Moo Goo, Craigavon – chocolate sauce
2. Media enquiries to DETI Press Office: Tel:028 90529297
3. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
