The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) will mark a major milestone for the local food and drink industry at its 30th Annual Dinner, taking place on 15 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.
Sponsored by Kinisla, the landmark event will bring together senior leaders from across the food and drink supply chain, including producers, retailers, policymakers and industry stakeholders, for one of the local industry’s most anticipated annual gatherings.
As Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector continues to navigate a rapidly changing trading, economic and consumer landscape, the dinner will provide an opportunity to reflect on three decades of industry progress while exploring the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The event comes at a significant moment for both the industry and NIFDA. As the trade body celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s dinner will also be the final annual gathering under the leadership of Executive Director Michael Bell OBE, who plans to retire after three decades of service to the organisation.
Guest keynote speaker this year is Joe Manning, Tesco Commercial Director for Northern Ireland, while industry leaders will reflect on the
continued growth, innovation and global reach of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.
Tickets for the event are now on sale: https://nifda.co.uk/30th-annual-dinner/
Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director of NIFDA, said:
“For 30 years, NIFDA has worked on behalf of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry, championing its interests, supporting growth and ensuring the sector has a strong and united voice.
“During that time, we have seen local food and drink businesses grow into globally recognised brands, create thousands of jobs, drive rural economic development and establish Northern Ireland as a producer of high-quality food and drink products.
“This year’s Annual Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate those achievements, but more importantly to look ahead. The industry faces significant challenges, from competitiveness and sustainability to changing consumer expectations and global market pressures. However, it also has enormous strengths, not least its people, innovation and ambition.
“I am incredibly proud to have served NIFDA and the wider industry over the past three decades. While this dinner marks the end of a chapter for me personally, it is very much the beginning of a new chapter for both NIFDA and the industry it represents. I have every confidence that the sector will continue to prosper and grow in the years ahead.”
Tim Gault, Commercial Director of Consumer Foods at Kinisla said:
“Kinisla has deep roots in Northern Ireland and has been a driving force within its agri-food sector for many years. We are exceptionally proud of our manufacturing sites in Portadown and Coleraine, and of our two iconic local brands, Golden Cow and Coleraine, which have graced the tables of Northern Irish families for generations.
“As a global business, we are focused on the future and driving category growth through consumer-led innovation. As such, we are honoured to sponsor NIFDA’s 30th Annual Dinner, a landmark event that celebrates the sector’s achievements, recognises the people behind its success, and provides an opportunity to look ahead with confidence and ambition.”
Joe Manning, Tesco Commercial Director for Northern Ireland said:
“Tesco has been proud to serve customers in Northern Ireland for almost 30 years and over that time, we’ve had the privilege of seeing the local food and drink sector evolve and flourish.
“We are proud to work alongside over 140 suppliers in Northern Ireland, expanding the range of Northern Ireland-produced food and drink available across our stores to over 1.600 products in the past three years.
“As we look to the future, investing in long-term local partnerships and giving more shelf space to home-grown brands continues to be a priority to us, and we remain committed to supporting the success of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry. We look forward to joining colleagues from across the sector at this special milestone event for NIFDA.”