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SPAR NI to introduce new locally produced summer range and put local suppliers at the heart of Balmoral Show

Charity , Events

SPAR NI will once again return to Balmoral Show to put their locally produced products at the heart of their activity and introduce their new summer range, from 14th – 17th May.  

Visitors to the SPAR marquee will be the first to sample SPAR NI’s new ‘Taste of Summer’ range including popular BBQ meats such as salt & chilli pork belly and BBQ chicken, alongside some new fresh summer sides such as Bombay style potato salad, basil pesto pasta and spicy couscous.  

SPAR NI’s award-winning chef, Carl Johannesson will be providing further summer meal inspiration for visitors using ingredients from local fields and farms. Over the past few years, Carl has developed hundreds of recipes at SPAR’s production kitchen in Randalstown, many of which now make up SPAR’s exclusive brand, The Kitchen, which can be found in stores across Northern Ireland.  

It is the 14th year SPAR NI has supported Balmoral Show as Platinum Sponsor, and as well as delivering plenty of tasty treats for visitors to sample, the team will once again be offering SPAR Big Reds, their iconic red Stetsons, to show-goers for a donation towards Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children. Last year, throughout four days, visitors donated an incredible £24,254.19, which was divided between both charities.  

Bronagh Luke from SPAR NI commented, “We’re looking forward to returning to the Balmoral Show as Platinum Sponsors for the 14th year. This year we’re delighted to introduce our new ‘Taste of Summer’ range. We’re always thrilled to bring a new range to our shoppers, but it is especially exciting to see them try and enjoy a new range first hand.  

“The range is designed for long, bright days and delicious al fresco dining and includes succulent meats perfect for the BBQ, alongside a variety of fresh, flavour-packed side salads and of course all made with top-quality ingredients from trusted local suppliers.” 

Local suppliers will be at the heart of SPAR NI’s Balmoral Show offering this year, as Bronagh explains, “As a local, family-run business, we are dedicated to those agri-businesses that also have NI roots and have grown as their own families have too. Northern Ireland has so much vibrancy throughout the agri-food sector, which has been celebrated around the world, and we are very proud to support and showcase the best throughout the year and at Balmoral Show.” 

Families visiting the marquee can try out their skills at the rugby play areas, as well as enjoying the mini SPAR shop play area and joyful performances from The Rock Choir on Saturday 18th May at 3pm.  

The marquee also won’t be short of shopper favourites including Barista Bar coffee and iced coffee machines and sweet treats from the SPAR Enjoy Local range, all of which is expertly sourced from local producers across Northern Ireland. This year’s visitors can also secure a special edition SPAR Big Reds tote bag to carry their SPAR goodies in.   

Bronagh concluded; “Balmoral Show is a hugely important four days for our entire team, not only will we be showcasing all that SPAR NI stores across Northern Ireland bring to their local communities, but our  trading team will continue to engage with the farmers and suppliers that make up the thriving agri-business community across the island of Ireland.  

“We are looking forward to again fundraising for our charity partners and providing family fun for our marquee visitors with sports games and sing-alongs with the Rock Choir. 

“We have over 500 independently operated and company owned SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores across Northern Ireland with an abundance of fresh foods, locally sourced and available at value prices and the Balmoral Show is all about building that awareness with visitors, ensuring they support their local SPAR retailers. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”  

Visitors and exhibitors will also be able to pick up their essentials from the on-site SPAR store where show-goers can grab a Barista Bar coffee/iced coffee, a sandwich, salad or wrap from the locally made Delish range. They’ll even get a free SPAR still water (500ml) with every sandwich or wrap purchased.