Food & Drink Development Plan 2023-2027 Business Consultation

Overview

The first Ards & North Down Food and Drink Destination Plan was published in 2018 with a lifespan of three years. The document set out the path to a single ambition where Ards and North Down Borough is established as a premier food tourism destination on the island of Ireland.  Please see link below.

This plan is now in need of replacement and the content of the new plan will be shaped by the businesses that have formed the Ards & North Down Food and Drink Network, external trade and other organisations involved in the sector. 

The new plan is envisaged to be a statement of ambition that belongs to all stakeholders in the local food and drink sector.

Why your views matter

This new development plan will shape the work of council in areas related to the food and drink sector in respect of tourism and business development.  This is the first phase of consultation which is intended to work towards the publication of a draft plan to be issued at the end of 2022.  This is your opportunity to help set our collective objectives, tasks and ambitions.

Building on the area’s already strong credentials in food and drink, the plan will bring to life the traditions, flavours and craftsmanship of its food and drink producers. Festivals and events, suppliers and food markets, restaurants and eateries will also form part of the plan. 

The resulting draft plan will then be subject to a second phase of consultation culminating in a final plan that will be put to council members for approval in early 2023. 

What happens next

If you wish, you may repsond with other representations.  During this phase of consultation there will be planned online drop-in zoom meetings to attend across the three weeks.  The network committee will propose a range of objectives and ambitions and the wider membership or stakeholders will have an opportunity to discuss these.  The closing date of the first round of consultation is XX November 2022