5 Standout Food & Drink Finds from Balmoral Show

Hello GRATE readers,

This week I headed north to the Balmoral Show and spent a brilliant few days immersed in one of the best showcases of Northern Ireland food and drink there is. Between wandering the food hall, chatting to producers and discovering new launches alongside familiar favourites, it was a timely reminder of just how exciting the local food scene

feels right now.

One thing that really stood out was how strongly health and functionality are continuing to shape innovation — but in a much more accessible, enjoyable way. Gut health, fibre and better-for-you products were everywhere, but delivered with flavour and personality first. At the same time, there’s a growing confidence in bold, unexpected flavours too, with nostalgic drinks, savoury twists and playful collaborations all drawing huge attention.

There also seems to be a renewed appreciation for provenance and local craftsmanship. Whether it was family-run dairy businesses, growers championing ultra-fresh produce or heritage brands reinventing themselves for a new audience, the strongest products

all had a really authentic story behind them. Consumers are clearly looking for food that feels both personal and purposeful.

I’ve picked out five brands and products that really caught my attention — each tapping into some of the biggest trends in food right now, while still feeling distinctly Northern Irish.

As always, enjoy the read and please do keep the feedback coming,

Annie x

FIBRE UP

Founded by Paul in 2023, Fibre UP was created to tackle a surprisingly common problem: most of us simply aren’t getting enough fibre. Rather than another overly functional health drink, the brand focuses on making fibre easy, enjoyable and part of everyday life.

It stands out because it taps directly into the growing consumer focus on gut health and functional wellness, but in a way that feels approachable rather than preachy. Simple daily health habits are having a huge moment right now, and Fibre UP feels perfectly timed for it.

PAPA'S MINERAL COMPANY - PICKLE LEMONADE

This absolutely shouldn’t work… but somehow it completely does. Papa’s Mineral Company has been championing nostalgic Northern Irish flavours for over 25 years, with founder Wayne inspired by his grandmother’s homemade recipes and traditional drinks. The Pickle Lemonade — made with their lemon cordial, pickles and a splash of pickle juice over ice — leans right into the booming trend for savoury drinks and unexpected flavour combinations. It’s quirky, conversation-starting and genuinely delicious.

DRAYNE'S FARM ICE CREAM – MINI MIX FAVOURITES

Drayne's Farm has been producing dairy products from its Lisburn farm for more than 90 years, and its recent rebrand has brought fresh attention to the family-run business. The Mini Mix Favourites box really stood out — smaller portions of indulgent ice cream treats that feel perfect for sharing (or not). Consumers are increasingly looking for premium treats in convenient formats, and this product nails that balance between indulgence, nostalgia and everyday luxury.

LYTTLE LEAVES

Lyttle Leaves is part of the next generation of the Lyttle family farming legacy on the Ards Peninsula, where quality produce has been grown for over 50 years. Their unwashed baby salad leaves are all about freshness, provenance and minimal processing. At a time when shoppers are becoming more conscious about where food comes from, locally grown produce with a strong sustainability story is resonating more than ever.

It’s simply done exceptionally well.

CLANDEBOYE YOGHURT X IRISH BLACK BUTTER

Two brilliant local food brands coming together was always going to be interesting, but this collaboration genuinely delivered on flavour too. The creamy richness of Clandeboye yoghurt paired with the deep, spiced sweetness of Irish Black Butter created something that felt both comforting and innovative. Collaborations like this are having a real moment in food right now — consumers love familiar brands doing something unexpected, especially when it celebrates local craftsmanship and premium ingredients.