'Midlands Flavours' pavilion to showcase region's food producers at Ploughing
A 'Midlands Ireland/Midlands Flavours' pavilion will be among the attractions at the upcoming National Ploughing Championships, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the best of the region's food, drink, tourism, and investment potential.
Organisers say the pavilion will "showcase the Midlands as a leading destination to live, work, invest, visit and study, while also celebrating the area's exceptional food and drink producers".
Midlands Flavours will bring together 17 local producers from Offaly, Laois, Longford, and Westmeath under one roof at the event in Screggan, Tullamore.
The Offaly-based food producers will include Biasol, Simpli Baked, Fox Covert, Wild Irish Foragers and Cameler Spice; while Westmeath will be represented by Athlone's Irish Craft Soda Company along with An Olivia Chocolates, Barabvilla Dairy, and Red Rooster Coffee.
Speaking ahead of the event, Deirdre Hunt, Acting Programme Manager of Midlands Regional Enterprise Office, said: "The National Ploughing Championships provide an excellent opportunity to tell the story of the Midlands.
"We are proud to showcase our exceptional food producers, our world-class tourism assets, our vibrant towns and communities, and the innovation ecosystem that is helping to shape the region's future.
"Together, these strengths demonstrate why the Midlands is an increasingly attractive place to visit, invest, do business and build a career."
The pavilion will host live cooking demonstrations by local chef Yvonne Carty, of Tullamore's 'Hey Pesto'.
Ms Carty will share her passion for fresh, seasonal cooking with twice-daily cooking demonstrations (11am and 2.30pm) over the three days of the ploughing championships (September 15-17).
Bernie Everard, Midlands Food & Drink Network Manager, said: "We are delighted to showcase the talent and hard work of local producers on a national stage, and to welcome visitors to experience the very best of Midlands hospitality.
"This initiative is in collaboration with the four Local Enterprise Offices and local authorities, and reflects a strong commitment to promoting local enterprise and supporting sustainable food businesses across the region."
The Midlands Ireland/Midlands Flavours pavilion will be in place for the three days of the National Ploughing Championships at Block 4, Row 11, Stand 213.