The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland has launched a campaign to help the food service sector as lockdown restrictions are eased. Aimed at cafes, coffee shops, home bakeries, restaurants, bars and hotels, the campaign’s aim is to find Northern Ireland’s best scones.
Jointly funded by the EU, the campaign recognises the importance of scones in the food culture of Northern Ireland, with recipes for most scones including dairy products such as milk, cream, butter, and cheese.
Launched today, the campaign will raise the profile of local cafes, restaurants, gastro pubs, bakeries, and hotels by offering them an opportunity to showcase their business as a scone baking contender on www.bestsconesni.com until 8 July – followed by a public vote, judge tasting session, and awards ceremony announcing the overall winner of having Northern Ireland’s Best Scones.
The overall winning business will receive a £1,000 hospitality gift voucher of their choice to treat their staff, to recognise their resilience during lockdown.
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for NI said – “We are delighted to be able to help the food service sector in such a positive way, with the assistance of funding from the EU. It has been a difficult time for everyone during lockdown, and it is our hope that this campaign will encourage businesses to showcase their produce, invite customers to enjoy their favourite scone, and have a bit of fun at the same time once again.”
Mike adds – “We will be supporting businesses by keeping them on the public’s radar through online advertising and publicity that will celebrate both the scones and the local dairy products they use.”
Supporting the EU Milk & Dairy & campaign is Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill as he continues to highlight issues that the hospitality and food service sectors have faced over the past year.
Colin comments – “I welcome and support this campaign by the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland. As we see lockdown restrictions ease, it is campaigns and initiatives such as this that show the support for our sector, which mean a lot to us.
Colin adds – “We are delighted to welcome customers back to our businesses and pick up where we left off to provide the opportunities for friends and families to meet and enjoy good company and good food.”