More than 140 representatives from across Northern Ireland’s food-to-go sector gathered at Parliament Buildings this week for a special celebration of an industry that continues to play a vital role in local communities, employment and the wider economy.
Hosted by the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association (NIFTGA), the event brought together business owners, producers, suppliers, elected representatives and industry stakeholders for A Celebration of the NI Food To Go Industry in the Long Gallery at Stormont.
The event recognised the contribution of the sector while creating an important platform for businesses to engage directly with policymakers on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Representing more than 1,100 businesses across Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association is the official leading voice for independent cafés, delis, takeaways, sandwich bars, convenience food operators and producers, championing the interests of small businesses at the highest levels of government.
Michael Henderson, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said: “The food-to-go industry is one of Northern Ireland’s most important and resilient sectors. It supports thousands of jobs, creates opportunities for local suppliers, drives footfall in our towns and cities and makes a significant contribution to the wider economy.”
“While today is a celebration of the people and businesses that make up our industry, it is also about raising awareness and driving action at the heart of government. Food-to-go businesses continue to face significant pressures from rising operating costs, taxation, labour challenges and ongoing economic uncertainty. It is vital that policymakers understand both the contribution our sector makes and the barriers that many businesses continue to face.”
“The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association has worked hard to ensure the voice of our members is heard at the highest levels. Bringing together industry leaders, elected representatives and decision-makers at Stormont creates an important opportunity to discuss practical solutions that will help businesses grow, invest and continue supporting local communities. We want to see food-to-go businesses recognised not only as employers and entrepreneurs, but as a key driver of economic growth across Northern Ireland.”
The event also featured an address from Diane Armstrong MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Food To Go, who highlighted the important role the sector plays in supporting local economies, creating employment opportunities and driving entrepreneurship in communities across Northern Ireland.
Chair of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association Advisory Board and Sales Director at Henderson Foodservice, Kiera Campbell, said: “The strength of attendance at today’s event demonstrates the scale, diversity and ambition that exists across Northern Ireland’s food-to-go sector.”
“From independent operators and family-run businesses to local producers, suppliers and industry partners, this is a sector that continues to innovate, adapt and deliver despite significant economic pressures. It is important that businesses have a strong voice and that policymakers understand both the opportunities and challenges they face.”
“Today’s event was a clear demonstration of the collective strength of our sector and the importance of continuing these conversations as we look to the future.”
The event provided an opportunity for elected representatives to hear directly from businesses operating on the front line of Northern Ireland’s economy, with discussions focusing on growth opportunities, investment, skills, taxation, rising costs and the future sustainability of the sector.
Over recent years, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association has played a leading role in advocating on behalf of the industry on key issues including VAT reform, business rates, workforce challenges and the rising cost of doing business.
As the industry continues to navigate a challenging economic landscape, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring food-to-go businesses remain at the centre of discussions around economic growth, high street regeneration and support for small businesses.
Founded in 2019, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association now represents more than 1,000 food-to-go businesses across Northern Ireland and continues to be the leading voice for the sector.