Flagship industry showcase unites food and drink leaders to champion local produce, sustainability and Belfast’s culinary future
Belfast’s food and drink community will take centre stage this month for Belfast Flavours Live, a flagship, industry-led event designed to spark ambition, collaboration and fresh thinking across the city’s thriving culinary sector.
Taking place on Monday 23 February at ICC Belfast, Belfast Flavours Live will bring together chefs, producers, hospitality leaders, tourism professionals and policymakers from every corner of the city for a programme focused on leadership, growth and what’s next for Belfast’s food and drink sector.
Delivered by Belfast Flavours as part of Belfast City Council’s annual Food Tourism Development Programme, and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, the event aligns with the ambitions of the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework.
Hosted by renowned broadcaster Pamela Ballantine, the programme will feature engaging panel discussions, one-to-one conversations with industry voices, and live cookery demonstrations that celebrate the flavours, skill and local produce defining Belfast’s culinary identity.
Attendees can also explore a range of support, funding and service organisations – a chance to discover new opportunities, make connections, and be inspired by Belfast’s boldest culinary talent.
Speakers and contributors include 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).
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said:
“Belfast Flavours Live represents an important opportunity to bring together the people and businesses who play such a vital role in the city’s economy and visitor experience. Belfast City Council is proud to support Belfast Flavours through our Food Tourism Development
Programme, helping to create future-focused platforms that encourage collaboration, innovation and long-term thinking across the sector.
“Our food and drink industry is central to Belfast’s identity as a welcoming, vibrant city, and events like this help ensure it continues to grow in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and ambitious.”
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said:
“I welcome Belfast Flavours Live and commend the event which aligns so closely with the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework. The Framework recognises the vital link between food, health, the economy and the environment. Events such as Belfast Flavours Live play a crucial role in supporting a sustainable, resilient agri-food sector.
“By championing local produce, encouraging collaboration and supporting skills and leadership across the food and drink industry, Belfast Flavours Live will deliver lasting benefits not just for Belfast, but for the wider Northern Ireland food economy.”
As the flagship event of the food and drink collective, Belfast Flavours Live embodies the collective spirit of Belfast Flavours, says Co-Chair Andrew Dougan:
“Belfast Flavours exists to bring the sector together – to foster collaboration, share ideas and support growth across Belfast’s food and drink community. At its heart, the network is about championing the people, talent and produce that make our city’s culinary scene so distinctive.
“Belfast Flavours Live, as our flagship industry event, is an opportunity to bring that ethos to life – providing a dedicated space for chefs, producers, hospitality leaders and policymakers to connect, gain insight and explore what’s next for Belfast’s food and drink sector.”
“We’re also grateful for the support of ICC Belfast and Food NI, whose partnership is helping to create a platform that truly reflects the ambition, quality and collaborative spirit of Belfast’s food and drink industry.”
Belfast Flavours Live is supported by Food NI, ICC Belfast and Pan and Pour Belfast, reflecting a shared ambition to champion local food, farming, tourism and sustainable growth.
Tickets cost £25 per person (inclusive of VAT) and include refreshments and lunch. Places are limited and advance booking is required.
To register, visit: https://eventfulbelfast.eventsair.com/belfast-flavours-live/flavours/Site/Register