Write a commentLocal Newry Sandwich and snack firm Around Noon is in the running for a Brand Innovation Award at the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards.
Around Noon is a finalist in the awards run by Henderson Wholesale, owners of the SPAR and EUROSPAR franchises in Northern Ireland, to mark the excellent produce, practices and ranges of the companies it works with.
As a platinum sponsor of the three day event, the SPAR brand has a key presence at the Balmoral Show, further strengthening its links with the agri-food industry and encouraging its customers to enjoy the best of local produce.
The judging panel of the Local Supplier of the Year awards, which met this week, included Professor Chris Elliott, Professor of Food Safety and Director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University; Freda Magill, UFU Rural Affairs Committee Chairperson; UTV business editor Jamie Delargy and agriculture journalist Richard Wright.
This year entries were made across five categories from suppliers of all sizes and types and across Northern Ireland. Categories include Enjoy Local Supplier of the Year, CSR focused Tomorrow Matters, Best Direct to Store Supplier, Brand Innovation Award and Overall Local Supplier of the Year.
Around Noon is shortlisted in the Brand Innovation Award category. The company based at Greenbank Industrial Estate in Newry employs 125 and supplies Henderson Wholesale with pre-packed sandwiches and snacks.
Neal Kelly, Henderson Wholesale’s Fresh Food Director, said: “The Balmoral Show is one of the most important events for the agri-community in Northern Ireland each year and, for us, it’s a great time to show our support for local farmers and suppliers and to highlight our focus on bringing the best fresh, local, traceable food to our shoppers.
“This year we’ve extended the number of categories in our Local Supplier Awards, and have seen a huge increase in the quality and quantity of entries from our suppliers. We’re thrilled to have on board such a prestigious and experienced judging panel with top-level expertise in food safety, agriculture and business.
“We look forward to welcoming all those shortlisted and announcing the winners at our special breakfast event at the Balmoral Show.”
Other highlights at the Show include the SPAR enjoy local marquee where visitors can get involved in a host of family fun and taste a selection of SPAR’s new fresh own brand range, which celebrates the finest farmers, growers and producers in Northern Ireland.
The SPAR arena, a new addition to Balmoral this year, will host an array of entertainment throughout the Show’s three days. Finally, visitors to the Show can also pick up sandwiches, coffees and sweet treats from the fully functioning SPAR store that will sit prominently at the corner of Park Central West and Barbour Avenue.
Shortlist for Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards:
Enjoy Local Supplier of the Year
Allied Bakeries
Avondale Foods
Fred C Robinson
Willowbrook Foods
Tomorrow Matters Award
Irwin’s Bakery
Mash Direct
Moy Park
Best Direct to Store Supplier Award
Irwin’s Bakery
Allied Bakeries
Doherty & Gray
Brand Innovation Award
Irwin’s Bakery
Around Noon
Mash Direct
Local Supplier of the Year
Karro Cookstown
Doherty & Gray
Willowbrook Foods
Daily Bake
Avondale Foods
The winners will be awarded at the Balmoral Show later this month.
