Taste Ards and North Down Membership Application 2026

Overview

Welcome to your 2026 membership application, this form also doubles as an annual update on business data that will assist the tourism development, events and economic development teams planning for the year ahead. 

Our planning for food festivals, experiences, trade shows and in the provision of business training  will be greatly enhanced by your completed applications.  Therefore, please take your time on this application and tell us what you need from your Taste AND membership.

Please note you can complete the form in stages by saving as you go along.

There are three types of membership: full, associate and provisional.

Full membership is for the following:

1. Food and drink producers who are field to fork/glass or tide to table.
2. Local independent retailers (as a stockist for at least seven local producers).
3. Farm shops (as a stockist for at least seven local producers).
4. Restaurants and cafés (must source regularly from at least five local producers). 
5. Hotels (must source from at least five local producers).

Associate membership is for:

1. Food sector academics/training staff.
2. Freelance chefs and cooks.
3. Weekly or monthly markets.
4. Cookery schools.
5. International cuisine restaurants who support food events.
6. Visitor attractions, venues and accommodation providers who incorporate use of local food and drink.
7. Catering businesses provided they are linked to a local produce business or a smallholding.

Provisional membership is for:

1. Established food and drink businesses that have not been a Taste AND member in the last year.
2. Brand new food and drink businesses that would benefit from participating in network activities.
3. Businesses that have recently moved into the area.
4. Any business that is less than two years old with an insufficient business record to meet the criteria of full or associated membership. 

Those who applied as new members in 2025 should apply as full or associate members in 2026.  Restaurant applicants who do not meet the minimum local supplier requirements may now apply as an associate. 

If you are unsure about which membership status is right for you, please email tourism.admin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Why your views matter

Failure to secure membership by the verification deadline of 1 March 2026 will mean all other business contact details are removed from the food and drink business contact list for one year. This means you will not receive communications on any Taste Ards and North Down opportunities at events, training, programming or other activities until 2027. 

Please see the link to the membership governance document to which all members must comply.  Your membership is not confirmed until your place is formally verified and your membership charge received.  This year’s membership charge is £36 per business.