A group of local food producers have joined together to create two stunning Lough Neagh Artisans Christmas Hampers, the perfect gift for those passionate about their heritage and committed to supporting local.

Packed with a range of fabulous homemade and homegrown products from around the shores of Lough Neagh, the wicker hampers include a variety of goodies suitable to accompany any festive feast this Christmas and can be purchased online at https://loughneaghartisans.com/hamper/.

Led by Lough Neagh Partnership, Lough Neagh Artisans, have developed the hampers to encourage people to shop local, with produce from Annie’s Delights, Bakehouse NI, Gold & Brownes, Harnett’s Oils and Hillstown Farm.

Lough Neagh Artisans Christmas Hampers,

Speaking about the launch of Lough Neagh Artisan Christmas Hampers for 2021, Gerry Darby, Strategic Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “We launched our first Christmas Hamper collaboration with the Lough Neagh Artisans in 2019 and it was such a phenomenal success as people across Northern Ireland and beyond have a real love and fascination for local produce from around the shores of Lough Neagh. We are excited that we have developed the offering further for 2021 and are able to launch a choice of two beautiful hampers for Christmas. The production of these hampers underpins the commitment of Lough Neagh Partnership in working with local artisans to help bring their innovative ideas and creations to the wider public.”

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, added: “We have been inundated with enquiries from people seeking a taste of Lough Neagh. The Lough Neagh Artisans Hampers are a delicious reminder of the exquisite local produce available within 10 miles of the shoreline and should certainly whet the appetite for anyone interested in planning a visit to the area for a food tour next year.”

The Lough Neagh Artisan Group is currently receiving support under the Agri-Food Co-operation Scheme which is managed by Countryside Services Ltd on behalf of DAERA. The scheme is part of the NI Rural Development Programme and is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Mandina Fulton from Countryside Services explains the benefits of the scheme: “The Agri-Food Co-operation Scheme offers individual producers the opportunity to work collaboratively with others to bring a project idea to fruition, whilst availing of funding to help develop their skills and market the product or service. Support measures such as social media training, marketing mentors, promotional material and study tours are offered under the scheme. We are delighted to see the progress made by the Lough Neagh Artisan group and wish them well with the launch of their hampers.”

The Gourmet Hamper is priced at £25.00 and is packed full of festive goodies including Annie’s Delights Beetroot Chutney, Barnhill Apple Juice, Ditty’s Irish Oatcakes, Gold & Brownes Chocolate Brownies and Harnett’s Rapeseed Oil.

The Luxury Hamper is priced at £69.99 and includes Annie’s Delights Beetroot Chutney, Annie’s Delights Raspberry Jam, Antrim Honey, Barnhill Apple Juice, Bronagh’s Bakehouse Christmas Cake, Ditty’s Irish Oatcakes, Ditty’s Winterberry Shortbread, Gold & Brownes Chocolate Brownies, Harnett’s Rapeseed Oil, Harnett’s Rapeseed Oil Orange & Rosemary and Hillstown Farm Sticky Toffee Pudding.