Love NI Food Podcast #7 – Baking Tradition & Innovation with John Hopkins (Irwin’s Bakery)

In this episode of the Love NI Food Podcast, Shauna sits down with John Hopkins from Irwin’s Bakery, one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic food brands.From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, John shares the story behind Irwin’s, the legacy of family baking, and how the business has evolved over the years while staying true to its roots.He talks about the balance between tradition and innovation, what it takes to produce at scale without compromising quality, and the challenges of keeping a heritage brand relevant in today’s fast-moving food industry.There’s also insight into the local food scene, the importance of supporting Northern Irish producers, and what the future looks like for one of our most recognisable bakeries.A brilliant conversation about craftsmanship, consistency, and the passion behind everyday favourites. Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who loves local food as much as you do!This episode is proudly supported by Andrew Ingredients, a long-standing partner to Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry.