THE recent Tesco Taste Festival attracted more than 25,000 people – the largest attendance in the event’s seven-year history.
The event – which opened for the first time as part of Belfast’s Culture Night – drew visitors of all ages to Custom House Square over last weekend.
As well as more than 60 local exhibitors, including many household brand names such as Tayto, Wilsons, Dale Farm and Irwins the Festival included many small, artisan food and drink companies.
Those involved in the VIP preview were also treated a spectacular flash mob involving members of the highly acclaimed Belfast Community Gospel Choir whose director, Marie Lacey was visiting the Festival for the first time.
Tesco NI Marketing Manager Caoimhe Mannion said the event was the showpiece in the annual Tesco Taste NI campaign and it underlined the retailer’s credentials as a ‘force for good’ in Northern Ireland.
“As the largest purchaser of NI food and drink we’re proud to say our commitment to local – and this showpiece event – just gets bigger and better each year” said Caoimhe.
“Each year we spend in excess of £550m on around 1200 lines from approximately 90 local suppliers. This event is significant for the entire agrifood sector and presents a genuine opportunity for local companies to get their brands and products in front of consumers of all ages.”