Food was the topic on everybody’s lips at the Guildhall yesterday where the cream of the culinary scene met for a special programme of events focusing on food tourism, on the opening day of Enterprise Week.
Emmett McCourt, author of Feast or Famine, with keynote speaker, John McKenna, Bridgestone Guide and Mary Blake, Tourism Officer at the opening event at Enterprise Week – “Taste Our Best, Food Tourism”. (Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
The event was part of a jam-packed series of talks, workshops and networking opportunities taking place at venues across the city from February 24-28, led by Derry City Council’s Business Opportunities Programme, which is supported by Invest Northern Ireland, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, as well as the DARD Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.
Industry expert and founder of the Irish hospitality bible the Bridgestone Guide, John McKenna, was keynote speaker and told the gathering of local chefs, suppliers and tourism professionals that Derry had the potential to become Ireland’s food capital.
He also highlighted the opportunity for Derry to capitalise on the Wild Atlantic Way and talked about success stories like the Mayo Gourmet greenway.
John encouraged attendees to look at their own businesses to see how they can put something back into the local economy through the use of local produce, how they could model best practice internationally and above all how they can create unique authentic dining experiences.
Speaking ahead of the event, John said the vision and commitment were already there to successfully drive food tourism forwards.
“The North West is already in a strong position as far as local produce is concerned and I truly believe that after its year as City of Culture, Derry has the potential in 2014 to become the City of Food Culture,” he declared.
“There are already a number of bright sparks at work in the city – the likes of Ian Orr, Donal Doherty, Patsy O’Kane, and Kevin Pyke – who are out there driving the local food industry forward and raising the standards every day.
“I think that what people have to realize, is that with a successful food culture you will also see the genesis of a successful economic culture. It brings tourists in, it brings money in, and that can have a transformative effect on a local business economy,”
Tourism Officer with Derry City Council Mary Blake said: “It was fantastic to see such a good turnout from our hospitality sector at what is one of the most significant business events of the year.
John McKenna shared some fascinating insights on how Derry can grow its food tourism sector, and how local restaurants and suppliers can make a significant contribution to the local economy.
“We are currently working in conjunction with key figures within the local food industry, including DARD and Food NIto promote the LegenDerry Food experience, which we are confident will continue to grow and attract visitors to the North West.”
The industry event attracted over 100 delegates, and included a showcase of local produce from suppliers such as Broighter Gold, Boughgammon Farm, Flossies Fudge, Tamnagh Foods and others. Enterprise Week will continue tomorrow with a focus on all things Digital, and throughout the week features top industry figures across all sectors, who will be on hand to support and advise both established and emerging businesses.
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