Marks & Spencer sponsored the 18th Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards, which recognise the innovation, technical standards and consumer-focused quality that define Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.
The awards are a key indicator of excellence across the industry, giving local food and drink manufacturers the opportunity to present new products to retail customers and showcase innovation and commercial capability across a range of categories.
As part of the 2026 judging panel, Laura Harper, Trading Director for Ireland and Northern Ireland at Marks & Spencer, joined representatives from the retail sector and wider industry to assess new products and commercial innovation across areas including sustainability, healthier food, exports and supply chain performance.
Recognising the breadth of talent across the Northern Ireland food and drink industry, Marks & Spencer is proud to have several longstanding partnerships with local suppliers, including Avondale Foods, Genesis Bakery, ABP Linden, Around Noon, Glens of Antrim, Gilfresh and AM Farming.
Laura Harper, M&S Trading Director for Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland has long been a centre of excellence for food and drink manufacturing. Through our close partnerships with local suppliers we have seen first-hand the innovation, quality and commitment that define this sector. M&S is pleased to support the NIFDA Awards and to recognise the contribution Northern Ireland makes to consumers, to our business and to the wider economy. I’m delighted to be part of this year’s judging panel as I have no doubt the standard of entries will be exceptional.”
Categories for 2026 spanned innovation in new product development, healthier choices, sustainability, exports and advanced food and drink manufacturing, as well as the Rising Star Award which recognises emerging industry talent.
Winners were announced at a gala ceremony in Belfast on Friday 27 February 2026.
ENDS
2026 Regional