Belfast Flavours Live: Shaping the Future of Our City's Food Scene

Belfast's bustling food and drink sector is preparing for a significant event this month, as Belfast Flavours Live takes centre stage. This industry-led showcase is designed to inspire ambition, encourage collaboration, and spark fresh ideas across our city's thriving culinary landscape.

On Monday 23 February, ICC Belfast will host this important gathering, welcoming chefs, local producers, hospitality leaders, tourism experts, and policymakers from across Belfast. The day's programme is focused on leadership, growth, and exploring what's next for our local food and drink scene. This initiative is part of the annual Food Tourism Development Programme and receives support from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, aligning with the broader Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework.

Renowned broadcaster Pamela Ballantine will host the event, which promises engaging panel discussions, insightful one-to-one conversations with industry voices, and live cookery demonstrations celebrating Belfast's unique flavours, skills, and local produce. Attendees will also have the chance to explore various support, funding, and service organisations, offering opportunities to make new connections and be inspired by Belfast's most ambitious culinary talents.

The lineup of speakers and contributors includes a fantastic array of talent such as Jess Murphy (Kai, Galway), Gráinne Mullins (Grá Chocolates), William Mayne (Bullhouse Brewing Company), Sam Shephard (The Juice Jar), Oisín McEvoy (Neighbourhood Café), Ciarán Shannon (Boatyard Distillery), Emily Doherty and Jack Weir (Liquid Minds), and Lucie and Carlos Capparelli (Capparelli at the Mill).

Councillor Paul Doherty, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, highlighted the importance of this event, noting that it provides a crucial platform for the people and businesses vital to the city's economy and visitor experience. He expressed pride in supporting Belfast Flavours, helping to create future-focused platforms that encourage innovation and long-term thinking. Belfast's food and drink industry is central to its identity as a welcoming and vibrant city, and events like this ensure its continued growth in a sustainable, inclusive, and ambitious way.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, also welcomed Belfast Flavours Live, commending its alignment with the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework. He emphasised the framework's recognition of the vital link between food, health, the economy, and the environment, stating that events like this are crucial for supporting a sustainable and resilient agri-food sector. By championing local produce, encouraging collaboration, and supporting skills and leadership, Belfast Flavours Live is set to deliver lasting benefits not just for our city, but for the wider Northern Ireland food economy.

Andrew Dougan, Co-Chair of Belfast Flavours, explained that the collective exists to bring the sector together, fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and supporting growth. At its heart, the network champions the people, talent, and produce that make our city's culinary scene so distinctive. Belfast Flavours Live is the flagship event that brings this ethos to life, providing a dedicated space for everyone involved to connect, gain insights, and explore the future of Belfast's food and drink sector.