Sustainability event for Food and Drink SMEs
Date published:
Northern Ireland Food and Drink small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are invited to attend a practical environmental sustainability event at Loughry Campus, Cookstown, exploring how stronger sustainability performance can support business growth, efficiency and market development.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Invest Northern Ireland will host Environmental Sustainability: First Steps for Northern Ireland Food & Drink SMEs on Tuesday 15 September 2026, from 8.30am to 1.15pm, at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus.
The half-day event will help small food and drink businesses understand why environmental sustainability is increasingly important for competitiveness, supply chain resilience and customer confidence. As retailer, customer and regulatory expectations evolve, measuring and demonstrating environmental performance is becoming an important part of securing and retaining business.
Delegates will hear expert insights on the business and financial case for sustainability, carbon foot printing and the commercial importance of measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The programme will also explore cost-saving opportunities across energy, water, waste and materials, helping businesses improve productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Gráinne Moody, Invest NI Director, Food and Drink, said: “Invest NI is pleased to partner with CAFRE on this timely event. Understanding environmental performance is essential for businesses, and can help reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen their supply chain position. This event will offer practical advice and real-world examples to support businesses in taking the next step on their environmental sustainability journey.”
Local case studies will demonstrate how Northern Ireland food and drink businesses are taking action on environmental sustainability. Speakers will also consider customer and retailer expectations and how sustainability data can support market access.
James Wide, Energy Manager, Henderson Group, who will provide a retailer’s perspective at the event, said: “As retailers continue to work towards their own sustainability commitments, collaboration across the supply chain is more important than ever. We want to support SMEs in understanding what sustainability means for their business and where they can take practical action. Events like this help businesses gain valuable insights, learn from experts and identify opportunities that can enhance competitiveness, strengthen customer confidence and support future market opportunities.”
The programme will include a contribution from Adrian Davis of AD Sustainability and practical business case studies from Simplyfruit and Deli Lites. Representatives from both companies will share first-hand insights into how they have embedded sustainability within their operations, the actions they have taken and the lessons learned. Attendees will also hear from International Synergies about the Resource Matching Service for Northern Ireland and take part in a panel discussion on support available to SMEs.
The event will conclude with lunch and support stands, where businesses can speak directly with organisations offering guidance and support.
Food and drink SMEs interested in improving environmental performance, reducing costs and strengthening their position in a changing marketplace are encouraged to attend.
Booking is available through the CAFRE website.
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