LegenDerry Food Network announces ambitious plans for 2024
19 February 2024
Local businesses are being encouraged to help grow and develop the local hospitality industry by supporting the work of the LegenDerry Food Network.
This week the Network’s new committee set out its plans for the year ahead, strengthening the LegenDerry brand and identifying new opportunities for local food and drink businesses.
The Network is made up of local businesses who work with key stakeholders including Derry City and Strabane District Council, Visit Derry, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland, to enhance and promote the local food offering for visitors and locals alike.
The network is open to businesses within the Derry and Strabane Council area which have a commercial interest in any aspect of the local food and drink supply chain. Members can draw on the expertise of leading industry figures through business support and training, as well as engaging with an annual networking programme and taking part in local events.
Co-Chair of the network, Emily McCorkell, said the committee hoped to proactively grow its membership throughout 2024, along with a number of other key objectives. “The LegenDerry Food Network is committed to strengthening the profile of the Derry City and Strabane District as an exciting food destination,” she explained. “We also want our members benefit from the range of support services on offer, including training, networking, events and marketing.
“Businesses can share ideas and learn from like-minded professionals committed to creating new offerings, products, experiences and services. I would love to see more support for the sector from the wider business community. By working together we can build a vibrant and sustainable industry that really benefits the overall economy.”
Tourism Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jennifer O’Donnell, revealed more about the wider aims of the LegenDerry Food Network: “The committee is stepping up its activities to build on the Food and Drink Strategy for the council area and we hope to promote more collaboration to develop the food tourism experience here.
“A vibrant and innovative food industry is a major draw for visitors as well as quality produce, which we have in abundance. This in turn benefits our hotels, our restaurants and our traders, so it really is an incentive to work together to create new opportunities to showcase our food offering. I hope to see more businesses bringing their expertise, creativity and talent to the network in the coming months.”
Among the priorities for the next year is working with local stakeholders to ensure the LegenDerry Food offer is on offer at all local events and to grow the annual ‘Love LegenDerry’ food month in February. Awareness raising is also a primary focus and the network will work on developing a proactive campaign to drive visitors to the area.
You can find out more about the LegenDerry Food Network at legenderryfood.com