Northern Ireland Food and Drink - NIFDA

04/09/2026

30 years. One industry. One unforgettable night.

The countdown is on for the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association’s 30th Annual Dinner.

🎉 New venue: Crowne Plaza Belfast
🤝 Sponsored by Kinisla
🥂 The largest gathering of NI’s food and drink industry

Join hundreds of industry colleagues, leaders and government as we celebrate 30 years of bringing the sector together.

🎟️Don’t miss out, tickets are available to buy now: https://nifda.co.uk/30th-annual-dinner/

28/07/2026

What can Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector learn from Japan? 🏯

Our recent study tour to Japan gave NIFDA members the opportunity to see first hand how some of the world’s leading food manufacturers are using AI, robotics and smart technology to improve productivity and efficiency. 🤖

A truly inspiring visit, full of ideas and practical insights that could help shape the future of our world class food and drink industry in Northern Ireland.

A huge thank you to Birnie Consultancy and everyone who helped make the trip such a valuable experience.

Invest Northern Ireland Ajinomoto Food Service KEWPIE Glico 格力高台灣 Pocky FOOMA JAPAN

02/07/2026

Job Opportunity 📣

NIFDA is seeking to appoint its next Chief Executive Officer, a highly influential role at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.

This is a significant executive appointment, offering the opportunity to shape policy, engage with government and champion a sector that drives economic growth, innovation and sustainability.

📍 Belfast-based | Full-time
📊 Reporting to the Chair and Board

We are looking for a commercially astute and strategically minded leader with strong stakeholder engagement experience and the ability to operate with pace, authority and autonomy.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the voice of one of Northern Ireland’s most important industries.

📅 Applications close: Friday 31st July 2026

Head to our website to learn more and apply 👇

nifda.co.uk/recruitment

19/06/2026

It was a pleasure to support this year’s Institute of Food Science and Technology NI Future Scientist Competition. 🔬

Our Chief Executive Michael Bell OBE, delivered a keynote address at the event, highlighting the strength of Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector and the vital role emerging talent will play in its future.

Huge well done to all finalists – and especially this year’s winners 👏

🥇 Laura McVicker Ulster University
🥈 Clare McElhinney Queen's University Belfast
🥉 Leah Montgomery Discover CAFRE

The future of our industry is in safe hands 💚

01/06/2026

New leadership for NIFDA.

Simon Fitzpatrick, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has been named Chair at NIFDA’s 30th AGM, alongside Bernie Orr, SHS Group as Vice Chair 👏

With big conversations around growth, partnership and sustainability, it’s a pivotal time for Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector – and the opportunities ahead are significant.

Our thanks to NIFDA member Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council once again for hosting us.

Read more: https://nifda.co.uk/nifda-appoints-simon-fitzpatrick-as-chair-as-sector-sets-our-growth-and-partnership-priorities/

20/05/2026

We’re hiring 📣

NIFDA is looking for a Business Support Assistant to help support the growth of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.

🔹 Part time, hybrid working
🔹 15 hours per week
🔹 Belfast based
🔹 Working across admin, Board meetings, industry events and initiatives, member and stakeholder engagement

If you’re highly organised, proactive and confident managing multiple priorities, with strong admin and communication skills, we’d love to hear from you.

📅 Deadline for applications: Friday 5th June 2026, 12noon

Head to our website to apply 📝 nifda.co.uk/recruitment/

19/05/2026

Did you know almost half of Northern Ireland’s exports go just across the border?

At our recent Dublin event with EY-Parthenon, we launched the findings of the Economic Impact Assessment of NI’s food and drink sector.

🚚 40% of all NI exports head to the Republic of Ireland
🚚 94% of NI live animal exports are destined for the Republic

Cross-border collaboration is essential for sustainable investment and resilient supply chains.

Read more here: https://nifda.co.uk/all%E2%80%91island-food-and-drink-sector-key-to-jobs-growth-and-food-security-new-report-finds/

EY Bord Bia - Irish Food Board

• Cross-border trade has increased by 85% since 2016 • All island approach necessary for sustainable investment and nurturing cross border supply chain • While only 3% of UK population,...

18/05/2026

What a fantastic few days at Balmoral Show 🐮

We loved connecting with farmers, producers and industry partners to celebrate Northern Ireland's thriving food and drink sector.

It was great to catch up with so many of our members, meet new faces and potential new members.

We’re always proud to represent the industry and be your voice where it matters.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a NIFDA member, get in touch with the team today at [email protected] 📩

01/05/2026

Thanks to all who joined us at Stormont Parliament Buildings yesterday for the launch of Economic Impact Assessment of the NI agri-food sector.

A big thank you to Simon MacAllister, Partner at EY for taking us through the findings and special thanks to for hosting us at Stormont – and for sharing his reflections on his own experience of working in the industry earlier in his career as a butcher.

👉 View our most recent post to see the headline findings, or read the full report via the link in our bio.

01/05/2026

Yesterday, NIFDA welcomed guests to Stormont Parliament Buildings to mark the launch of the EY-Parthenon Economic Impact Assessment of the NI agri-food sector.

Thank you to Simon MacAllister, Partner at EY, for presenting the report’s findings and outlining the vital contribution Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry makes to the economy and UK food security.

And special thanks to Robbie Butler mla for hosting us at Stormont and for his reflections on his own experience of working in the industry earlier in his career as a butcher.

View our latest post for key findings, or read the full report via 👉 https://nifda.co.uk/feeding-the-economy-every-day-northern-ireland-food-and-drink-sector-delivers-7-3bn-to-the-economy-and-underpins-food-security-across-the-uk-and-ireland/