Mayo food and drink producers shine at IFEX exhibit in Belfast

Eight Mayo-based food and drink producers participated in the prestigious IFEX Exhibition held in Belfast.

The exhibit highlighted the businesses and the Mayo Food & Drink Network.

The event, which drew buyers from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the UK, provided an excellent platform for the Mayo producers to showcase their produce and explore new market opportunities.

Attending producers included Drioglann Loch Measc, Gourmet Greenway, Kelly's of Newport, Mescan Brewery, O'Hara's Bakery, Van Velze's Chocolates, Velvet Cloud, and Wildwood Vinegars.

During the exhibition, producers engaged in numerous meetings with potential buyers, laying the groundwork for future collaborations, and sales expansions into new territories.

The attendance of IFEX came as part of the Mayo Food and Drink Programme two, which is a collaboration between South West Mayo Development Company under the #LEADER programme and the Local Enterprise Office Mayo.

The programme is part-funded by Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The initiative aims to support Mayo's food and drink businesses in exploring new export markets, fostering growth, and enhancing economic development in the region.

Facilitated by Suzanne O'Brien of Shore Tourism, the Mayo Food and Drink programme supports food and drink producers in Mayo through networking opportunities, market exploration, and collective initiatives. 

The network aims to bolster the growth and sustainability of the county’s food and drink producers.

For those interested in joining the Mayo Food & Drink Network or learning more about its initiatives, see the Mayo Food Website.