Why embrace “A Giant Taste”
Northern Ireland boasts a short supply chain and by sourcing local, your ingredients and plates will be fresher and tastier.
Buying locally sourced produce allows you to offer seasonal surprises on your menu that truly evoke a sense of place and highlight honest and traceable Northern Irish food.
Supporting the local food chain keeps the local food industry more sustainable and helps to minimise your carbon footprint, which brings wider benefits to the environment and will appeal to diners who are climate conscious.
Embracing a Giant taste is an opportunity for your business to:
- Develop & strengthen your relationship with local producers. A win/win dynamic evolves. You buy from them and they become your advocates. Supporting your local farmers, producers, growers and bakers can help support the local communities and wider economy
- Increase your margins by cutting out the middle-man in supply chains
- Increasing the quality of your food & drink can increase dwell time and visitor footfall
- Identify opportunities to reduce your food miles and carbon footprint- environmental sustainability should be a part of everyone’s business
- Attract more customers- local is trendy
Who can offer “A Giant Taste”?
A giant taste can be offered by any business that is providing food & drink to visitors. This includes:
- Pubs and Restaurants
- Hotels and accommodation
- Visitor attractions and experiences
- Coffee shops and retail
- Food tours, trails and networks
You may be championing food & drink already, if so, make sure your visitors are aware of your commitment in supporting local producers and businesses. Bring the food & drink journey to life by telling your visitors where your produce comes from, who the growers are, what makes them special and why you are working with them.
Being unforgettable- telling your food story
The power of storytelling, if told correctly, will linger in your customer’s minds, long after they have finished their meals. All stories have a beginning, middle and end. No one knows your food story better than you do!
What connects your delicious produce, attentive service and ambience into a memorable story or experience? Getting this right can drive brand loyalty, repeat business and revenue.
Make it personal; tell stories of people, not products. Engage with your customers on an emotional level and bring life to your chef, staff and suppliers.
Customers want to know more about your restaurant, why and how it started, what your values are and what makes you unique. In a crowded marketplace be proud to stand out. Celebrate what is distinctively yours or unique to Northern Ireland- what are you offering customers that they will not get anywhere else?
Use the power of Social Media to connect to a wider consumer base. Continue your food story online and get creative in posting consistent brand messages through cookery demonstrations, supplier showcases, recipes, and images to encourage more followers.