Food and drink can drive Northern Ireland's next chapter of economic growth, NIFDA Chair tells industry leaders

The 30th Annual Dinner of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), sponsored by Kinisla, brought together food and drink manufacturers, retailers, farmers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to mark three decades of NIFDA representing the sector.

Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, the event featured an address from NIFDA Chair Simon Fitzpatrick and keynote remarks from Joe Manning, Commercial Director of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In his address, Simon Fitzpatrick highlighted the findings of NIFDA's recent independent Economic Impact Assessment, delivered by EY, which found that Northern Ireland's food and drink sector generates £7.3 billion in economic value and supports almost 109,000 jobs. He called for continued partnership between industry and government to unlock investment, improve competitiveness and strengthen food security.

Simon Fitzpatrick, Chair, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), said: "Northern Ireland food and drink is one of our greatest economic success stories. Having spent more than two decades working in this industry, I have seen first-hand the innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across every part of the sector.

"Today, our industry supports more than 109,000 jobs and plays a vital role in communities across Northern Ireland. Despite accounting for less than 3% of the UK population, we provide around 8-10% of UK domestic food supply and produce enough protein to feed around 10 million people.”

A key theme of the evening was the importance of enabling investment across the sector and ensuring Northern Ireland remains an attractive location for food and drink manufacturing, innovation and exports.

Simon added: "As we celebrate 30 years of NIFDA, we should also look ahead with confidence. We have world-class businesses, talented people, a strong reputation for quality and sustainability, and significant opportunities for future growth. Industry does not lack ambition, but we need to create the conditions that allow that ambition to be realised.

"NIFDA and its members stand ready to work in partnership with government to unlock investment, support competitiveness, create jobs and accelerate sustainability. If we get that right together, the rewards for our economy, our environment and our food security will be significant."

The dinner also marked the final NIFDA Annual Dinner before the retirement of Executive Director Michael Bell OBE in 2027, recognising his contribution to the organisation and wider industry over more than three decades.

Pat Murphy, CEO, Kinisla, said: "It was a privilege for Kinisla to sponsor NIFDA's 30th Annual Dinner and celebrate the achievements of an industry that makes such a significant contribution to Northern Ireland.

"Food and drink businesses have shown remarkable resilience, innovation and ambition over recent decades. As an industry, we have a strong foundation on which to build, and by continuing to invest in people, sustainability and growth, Northern Ireland can strengthen its position as a leading food-producing region.

"At Kinisla, we are proud to support NIFDA and to play our part in helping the wider food and drink sector continue to thrive."