Author Archive | ron

As we were watching the video of Whatsonni, we came across Kitchen Incubators Kerry, the people who won the annual Smallbusinesscan party voucher at the end of last year. That is two with SBC connections. Not claiming credit, but…….

The outlook and potential for agri-food in Northern Ireland was the key theme of the Ulster Bank Balmoral Show lunch held this afternoon at the Show’s new venue, Balmoral Park. Speaking at the Ulster Bank lunch in the main marquee, Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, Ellvena Graham says “Agri-food is a vital and growing part of the Northern Ireland economy, sustaining up to 92,000 people in employment, according to the NI Food and Drink Association, and it has the potential to add more jobs and more value due [...]

By Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank As we enter the week of the Balmoral Show, it is worth reminding ourselves that Northern Ireland has a proud tradition of excellence within both the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.  One individual who successfully straddled both fields, and who has become a household name, was Henry George Ferguson. “Harry” (as he was more commonly known) Ferguson is best known for his development of the modern agricultural tractor and his name lives on with the iconic Massey Ferguson brand today. But Harry Ferguson’s success [...]

or the first time in over 116 years, the Balmoral Show has packed its bags and moved to a new venue, Balmoral Park, Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn. Organisers are encouraging the large crowds of people expected to attend Balmoral Show to consider how they will travel to Balmoral Park. RUAS Chief Executive, Colin McDonald says, “Balmoral Show is a celebration of all that is good about agriculture and food.  We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors through the doors for this historic event.   Leave plenty of time for your [...]

Consumers in the wake of the economic downturn have become far more resilient and resourceful. Companies should be mindful that consumers will connect with brands that share similar attitudes and values. According to a recent report compiled by Weber Shandwick and KRC Research, this showed that more than two thirds ofconsumers avoid buying a product if they dislike the parent company. The findings show that the reputation of a company and its corporate values have become increasingly influential in purchasing decisions. Food manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of this issue, with the Kellogg Company showing [...]

5 days and 00 hours from now (and counting down), the Balmoral show is opening its door. This time bigger and better, at a new location. This is straight from their website (note the 145th (!!!!) year): The 145th Show offers its usual extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats at the new showgrounds, Balmoral Park. Food and agriculture are an exiting sector, not only as a good day out for the family, but as a vital part [...]

Bord Bia update on the latest packaging innovations for 2013 identifies the latest beverage brands who are using both functional and sustainable packaging formats. Pepsi Launches First New Bottle in 16 Years Pepsi has unveiled a new single-serve bottle for its Pepsi trademark portfolio including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi MAX and Pepsi NEXT, marking its first design update since 1996. A visual expression of the brand’s Excitement of Now positioning, the bottle is rolling out in markets nationwide starting in April. The new bottle’s bold swirl and elevated profile reflect [...]