Love NI Food Podcast

In this episode of Love Ni Food, we sit down with Leona from Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, a brand known for producing high-quality, locally grown oil with a real story behind it.Leona shares how Broighter Gold was built—from farm to bottle—and what it takes to create a product that’s both sustainable and full of flavour. We get into the realities of running a food business, the importance of supporting local agriculture, and how passion and perseverance play a huge role in success.Of course, we couldn’t skip the food talk—Leona also gives us insight into how rapeseed oil can elevate everyday cooking and why it deserves a place in every kitchen.If you’re into food, entrepreneurship, or just love hearing the story behind what’s on your plate, this one’s for you.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.

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.

Welcome to another episode of the Love NI Food Podcast, where we celebrate the people and stories behind Northern Ireland’s incredible food scene.In this episode, Shauna is joined by Daniela Morelli-Kerr from the iconic Morelli Ice Cream – a family business with roots stretching back to Italy and a legacy that has become part of Northern Ireland’s cultural fabric.Daniela shares the story of how Morelli’s began, the journey from traditional Italian gelato-making to becoming one of the most recognisable ice cream brands in the country, and how the family has balanced heritage with innovation over the years. From classic flavours to modern creations, we get an insight into what makes Morelli’s so special.They also chat about the importance of quality ingredients, evolving customer tastes, and what it takes to keep a multi-generational food business thriving in today’s world.Whether you're a foodie, a business owner, or just someone who loves a good scoop of ice cream, this episode is packed with inspiration, history, and a few sweet surprises along the way.🍦 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.

Welcome to another episode of the Love NI Food Podcast, where we celebrate the people, passion, and produce shaping Northern Ireland’s incredible food scene.This week, we’re joined by Peter Hannan, the man behind Hannan Meats and Abernethy Butter – two names synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and bold flavour. Peter shares the story behind building one of the most respected meat businesses in the UK and Ireland, from pioneering Himalayan salt-aged beef to supplying some of the top restaurants across the country.We also dive into the story of Abernethy Butter, exploring its rich, traditional roots and how simple, high-quality ingredients have helped it become a staple in kitchens far beyond Northern Ireland.Along the way, we chat about:* The art and science of dry-aging beef* What sets premium local produce apart* The importance of heritage, farming, and sustainability* Collaborations between butchers, farmers, and chefs* Peter’s insights into the future of food in Northern IrelandA fascinating conversation with a true pioneer of local food – full of insight, passion, and a deep respect for quality ingredients.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! 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!