THE BELLING FORUM TO EXPLORE THE FURTHER PROMOTION & APPRECIATION OF ALL THAT IS WEST CORK

25th August 2014

One of the key events during A Taste of West Cork Food Festival (which runs from 5th-14th September in 16 towns and villages in the area) is the Belling Forum and the Belling West Cork Artisan Food Awards which will be held on Saturday (6th September) at Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen, West Cork.

The Forum is entitled ‘Promotion and Appreciation – promoting the West Cork Brand nationally and internationally’. With the strategic position West Cork has on the Wild Atlantic Way, the focus of the Belling Forum this year is to support the creation of a recognisable West Cork Brand, promoting West Cork food and West Cork as a tourist destination ‘in the round’.

There is free entry to the Forum, which runs from 2-5pm at Liss Ard, and which will have a line-up of high profile speakers, led by Sean O’Driscoll of Glen Dimplex and Belling, including Tim Lucey, Cork County Manager, and Una Fitzgibbon, Director of Marketing Services at Bord Bia. With a high level of interest in this event, it is expected that it will be an interesting and interactive forum for discussion and future planning for the region and its food and tourism offering.

‘This is an essential Forum for everybody involved in Food, Tourism, Art, Crafts, promotional organisations and the service industries of West Cork. While we have expanded the Food Festival to embrace 16 towns and villages this year, we are exploring the further promotion of all that is good about West Cork, not just the fabulous food. We also feel that, since they complement one another, the tourism and food offering can be promoted ‘in the round’ in a cohesive fashion’ said Helen Collins, Chairperson of A Taste of West Cork Food Festival, which is now celebrating its 11th year. ‘Practical branding and marketing advice will be given and discussed. West Cork is a place apart and it benefits the entire community to support and promote the good name of the region. All are welcome and admission is free.’ said Helen.

Over 42 Artisan Food Producers in West Cork have been invited to submit an application to the Belling West Cork Artisan Food Awards Committee. A shortlist of finalists will be available on the 30th August 2014 and the finalists will be showcased at the prestigious Belling Awards dinner at Liss Ard Estate at 6.30pm on Saturday 6th September.

The Belling Awards are sponsored by Sean and Rose O’Driscoll of Glen Dimplex/Belling Limited, both natives of West Cork. Sean O’Driscoll said of the awards: “The Belling Awards reward the effort, passion, thought and hard work that people put into achieving unique products, We at Belling are delighted with the increased interest in the Awards. Let us all be proud of what is produced in West Cork”.

The winners of the 2014 Belling Foods Awards will be announced during the dinner. Liss Ard Estate will present a delightful meal on the evening of the 6th, showcasing local produce for the enjoyment of those attending. Dinner tickets are available at a cost of €30.00. For bookings for the dinner phone Liss Ard Estate on 028 40000.

Return to the Archive News section