Love NI Food Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Love NI Food Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the rich, bold world of artisan flavour with the team behind Burren Balsamics.We explore how this Northern Irish brand has carved out a unique space in the food scene, creating small-batch balsamic vinegars and flavour infusions that elevate everything from everyday meals to fine dining dishes. From the inspiration behind their ingredients to the craft and care that goes into each bottle, this episode is a real celebration of local produce done right.We also chat about the journey of building a food brand in Northern Ireland, the importance of quality and storytelling in today’s market, and how Burren Balsamics are connecting with chefs, food lovers, and retailers across the country.Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or just someone who appreciates great local products, this one’s packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of flavour.This episode is proudly supported by Andrew Ingredients, a long-standing partner to Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.🎧 Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, or proud supporter of local produce, this is a story of passion, resilience, and the power of keeping things simple—no fuss, just great food.

Welcome back to another episode of the Love NI Food Podcast with Shauna Magill-Fegan, where we shine a light on the people behind Northern Ireland’s most exciting food and drink brands.This week, Shauna is joined by Oscar Woolley, founder of Suki Tea — a Belfast-born brand that has grown from humble beginnings into an internationally recognised name in specialty tea.Oscar shares the story behind Suki Tea, from its early days selling loose-leaf tea at St George’s Market to building a brand that champions quality, sustainability, and innovation. They chat about the journey of scaling a local food business, the importance of sourcing and flavour, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive global market.It’s an inspiring conversation for anyone interested in food entrepreneurship, local produce, and the stories behind the brands we love.This episode is proudly supported by Andrew Ingredients, a long-standing partner to Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.🎧 Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, or proud supporter of local produce, this is a story of passion, resilience, and the power of keeping things simple—no fuss, just great food.

On this episode of the Love NI Food Podcast, host Shauna Magill-Fegan sits down with Jack Hamilton, CEO of Mash Direct, to uncover the remarkable farm-to-fork journey behind one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable food success stories.From the shores of Strangford Lough to supermarket shelves across the UK and Ireland, Jack shares how a sixth-generation family farm transformed the humble potato into a thriving convenience food brand. What began as a bold idea—“betting the farm on champ”—has grown into a household name, with millions of packs sold and a loyal following built on quality, simplicity, and local pride.In this conversation, you’ll hear:The origin story of Mash Direct and the pivotal moment that sparked its creationHow the Hamilton family combined tradition with innovation to reinvent everyday vegThe power of local sourcing and Northern Ireland’s world-class food ecosystemBehind-the-scenes insights into scaling a food brand—from farmers’ markets to national listingsThe role of social media in building a 49-million-strong audienceWhy convenience doesn’t have to mean compromiseJack also reflects on his journey back to the family business after working abroad, the values instilled by his parents, and how Mash Direct continues to champion sustainability, community, and education through initiatives like their field-to-fork programmes.Plus, hear his personal favourites from the range (spoiler: carrot & parsnip mash and beer-battered chips make the cut 👀).This episode is proudly supported by Andrew Ingredients, a long-standing partner to Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.🎧 Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, or proud supporter of local produce, this is a story of passion, resilience, and the power of keeping things simple—no fuss, just great food.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Love NI Food Podcast — where we are passionate about great food, great people and great stories. In this new series, host Shauna Magill-Fegan sits down with inspiring local producers, suppliers, and voices from across the Northern Ireland food and drink industry to hear the stories behind the people and products that make the region’s food scene so special.In Episode 1, Shauna talks to Peter and Catherine McKeever from Long Meadow Cider, a family-run cider company based in the heart of County Armagh. Known as the “Orchard County,” Armagh has a deep-rooted connection to apples, and the McKeevers share their fascinating history of the iconic Armagh Bramley apple, which holds PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. They explore how the region’s unique landscape, climate, and generations of farming knowledge have helped shape the reputation of Armagh apples around the world.Peter and Catherine also tell the story of Long Meadow Cider itself — how the business began on their family farm and continues to be run and operated by family members today, with the next generation actively involved. From orchard to bottle, they explain how tradition, passion, and local heritage combine to create their range of award-winning cider and apple products.The conversation also looks at how the McKeever family has opened their working farm, orchards, and cider house to the public, welcoming visitors for tours, tastings, and seasonal events that celebrate the heritage of Armagh apples and the wider local food culture.The Love NI Food Podcast is proudly sponsored by Andrew Ingredients, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading bakery ingredient suppliers. With decades of experience supporting bakers, chefs, and food producers, Andrew Ingredients continues to champion quality ingredients and innovation across the food industry.Subscribe and follow for new episodes every Tuesday!