Local oil firm to open at airport

Waringstown’s Harnett’s Oils was among a group of artisan companies taking part in a unique Country Market established at Belfast International Airport (BIA) to help promote Northern Ireland artisan producers.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Oct 2015, 12:00 BST

It is the first country market to be established in the Departures zone in an airport anywhere in the world,

The firm was among more than 10 local artisans taking part in the market, giving passengers the opportunity to purchase from a wide range of high quality, locally made products from cheese, to chocolate, to ceramics.

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Jane Harnett of Harnett’s Oils says: “This is an amazing opportunity for us to show and sample our award winning oils to a very influential and international audience.”

The market is being run in conjunction with Ulster Artisans, an umbrella organisation committed to helping consumers everywhere to recognise the quality and originality of local artisan foods and drink and to include them when shopping.

Graham Keddie, BIA managing director, said: “The unique country market is certainly adding a local flavour to the airport at a key travelling period. Around 15,000 people pass through departures every day.

“It gives us a chance to show our customers, both from Northern Ireland and abroad, the excellence of the food available here. Belfast International Airport made a promise to help support and promote local businesses and that is exactly what the market gives us the chance to do. It comes at a time when Northern Ireland is preparing to celebrate the originality and innovation of local products in the first-ever Year of Food and Drink. The range of items available, include food, pottery, specialist butters and oils, chutneys, and ceramics, and the best of it is, they are all locally produced. What’s also unique is that the producers will be on hand to talk to the travellers.”

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Michele Shirlow, chief executive of Food NI, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity from Belfast International for our talented artisans.”

The market is located airside in departures and will operate from Thursday to Sunday over the coming weekends. They hope to show Belfast International Airport’s customers just how much Northern Irish artisans have to offer.

There are plans to extend the stalls at the market.

Related topics:Northern Ireland