Council Decides Not To Find Future Collaborations With Taste Causeway

A local food producers' group has pledged to uphold the Causeway area's esteemed status as a premier culinary destination, despite the setback of losing Council funding.

Taste Causeway reaffirmed this commitment during its recent Annual General Meeting at Bushmills Distillery.

The event brought together artisan producers, chefs, hoteliers, experience providers, accommodation hosts, and business owners to celebrate another successful year for Taste Causeway members.

The region has witnessed significant growth in the variety of new products launched by local producers in recent years. Many of these products stem from collaborations among Taste Causeway members, including Dunluce Distillery’s Coffee Liqueur crafted with Causeway Coffee, Dundarave Estate’s Bushmills Whiskey Fudge, Causeway Coffee’s exclusive blend, and The Chocolate Manor’s Whiskey Truffle collection—all now available at Bushmills Distillery. Additionally, Paula McIntyre’s Gin & Rum, produced in partnership with Basalt Distillery, adds to this growing list. More collaborative products are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

Beyond product development, the region's food and drink experiences have flourished through member collaborations. Highlights include The Golden Rickshaw partnering with Ursa Minor Bakery in Ballycastle for a unique dining event, A Taste of Castlerock showcasing local produce at Mussenden Temple, North Coast Cocktails launching an Irish Coffee Masterclass featuring members’ products, Crindle Bespoke blending local treats into their equestrian experiences, and Chestnutt’s Farm teaming up with Infuse Tea for a perfect culinary pairing.

Bonnie Cooper of The Golden Rickshaw expressed the value of community support:
"As someone who runs their business solo, it is so wonderful to know that I belong to something bigger than myself, and that there is support when I need it from those who know what it’s like to run a food business."

Wendy Dempster of the Lamb Van in Armoy echoed this sentiment, crediting Taste Causeway for her business growth:
"It’s all down to Taste Causeway that I was able to diversify my business from the Lamb Van to offering Shepherdess Suppers."

Geri Martin, Chair of Taste Causeway, reflected on the network's achievements throughout 2023–2024. She highlighted the members' participation in tourism trade events across Canada, the US, Italy, Scotland, and London, as well as the successful Giant Taste event at Roe Valley Cultural Centre in March.

Addressing the disappointment over Causeway Coast and Glens Council's decision to withdraw funding for future collaborative projects, Martin reassured members that the volunteer-led Taste Causeway Board remains committed to supporting its members and the region’s culinary identity, regardless of council support.

The AGM concluded with a strong show of support from members for the organisation’s continued role in fostering collaboration. Richard Connor summed up the collective sentiment:
"There is such a pool of talent in this room, and within Taste Causeway, and our destination is better off for us all working together."