• Tesco NI has partnered with six Northern Irish breweries and cider producers to recommend six great locally crafted tipples.
• Focused on supporting producers, Tesco brings customers great quality local products.
• The retailer is proud of its long-standing relationships with breweries and cider producers in Northern Ireland.

Rugby fans are still waiting for Ireland’s big break in this year’s Six Nations tournament, but it’s never too late to get match-ready and fill up the fridge. Tesco NI has partnered with six Northern Ireland breweries and cider producers to spotlight standout locally made beers and ciders to enjoy during the games.

For those who prefer a crisp, easy-going lager, Our Brewery is backing Pressure to Pick, an Italian-style pilsner designed for long sessions – because you never quite know how long a match will last.

“This lager is clean, crisp and refreshing, with subtle bitterness. An easy-drinking option that works well across a long game,” said Jonathan Mitchell, co-founder of the independent brewery based in Randalstown, Co. Antrim.

From Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh, Farmageddon Brewing Co. recommends Farmageddon Gold 4.2%, a light and refreshing choice with a bright finish.

“Light, refreshing, and easy to drink, it’s the perfect match day beer. Soft bready malt flavours are balanced by fresh citrus hops, with a clean finish that keeps it crisp through the whole match,” said Norman Donaldson, Owner of Farmageddon Brewing Co.

IPA fans are also well catered for, with two local favourites selected for their flavour and match-day drinkability. From Bellaghy, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Heaney Brewery’s Irish Pale is the go-to pick for co-owner Suzanne McCay.

“It’s crisp, full of flavour, the kind you can sip through the highs and lows of a game. It’s easy going for IPA newcomers and full of flavour for the regulars. A good beer for good company,” she said.

Meanwhile, Whitewater Brewery – Northern Ireland’s largest craft brewery, based in Castlewellan, Co. Down – is recommending Maggies Leap, a citrus-forward 4.7% IPA that’s become a fan favourite during the championship.

“Hopefully like our Maggie the players will leap towards the line for a winning finish,” said Bernard Sloan, Managing Director at Whitewater Brewery.

Cider lovers can also toast the tournament with premium local options. The Armagh Cider Company, which has worked closely with Tesco Northern Ireland for more than 12 years, has selected Carsons Crisp Cider as a refreshing match-day pick.

“It’s light and well-balanced, with that distinctive Bramley apple taste, perfect from kick-off to the final whistle and, of course, the green label is in keeping with the Irish theme,” said Esther Paul, Business Development Manager.

For those looking to capture the buzz and colour of the Six Nations, Longmeadow Cider (based in Portadown, Co. Armagh) is putting forward Blossom Burst Cider, inspired by springtime in the orchard.

“It is smooth, elegant and mellow and captures the feeling of springtime in the orchard,” said Alanna McKeever, Tourism and Sales Executive at Longmeadow Cider. “The finish is long, crisp and refreshing, making it easy to enjoy from kick-off to the end of the match.”

Michael Crealey, Lead Packaged Buying Manager at Tesco NI, added:

“Supporting our local producers is hugely important to us at Tesco, and we’re incredibly proud to offer customers such a strong range of high-quality drinks produced right here in Northern Ireland. These are local flavours made by local businesses, and every time customers choose them, they’re helping to support jobs, skills and the local economy across Northern Ireland. With the Six Nations bringing people together to enjoy the rugby, it’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our local products too.”

Six drinks – The chosen tipples for the next game: Maggies Leap (Whitewater Brewery), Carsons Crisp Cider (Armagh Cider Company), Pressure to Pick (Our Brewery), Farmageddon Gold 4.2% (Farmageddon Brewing Co), Blossom Burst Cider (Longmeadow Cider) and Heany Irish Pale (Heaney Brewery).

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• The company has announced new distribution agreements with award-winning yoghurt producer, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt and artisan bakery, The Yellow Door.
• These additions strengthen Sysco Ireland’s commitment to providing customers with premium, locally produced products rooted in quality, tradition, and authenticity.

Sysco is continuing to champion local brands adding two of Northern Ireland’s most renowned food producers, award-winning yoghurt producer Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt and family-run artisan bakery The Yellow Door, to its portfolio.

These new listings build on the high-profile local producers announced in July and will see Sysco bring a varied selection of Clandeboye Estate yoghurts and a curated range of Yellow Door’s handcrafted artisan breads to its 11,000+ customer base of foodservice operators across the island.

Merchandising Director of Sysco, Joanne Cunningham commented, “We are delighted to welcome both, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt and The Yellow Door to the Sysco Ireland portfolio. Both brands reflect the very best food production in Northern Ireland, with family heritage, authentic craftsmanship, and products that truly stand out at their heart. These partnerships further strengthen our commitment to supporting exceptional local producers while offering our customers even more premium choices.”

First launched at the Balmoral Show in 2008, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, which was founded by Lady Dufferin, produces a range of locally made yoghurts using high quality milk from an award-winning herd of pedigree Holstein and Jersey cows. Since then, the brand has grown significantly and its products have won numerous accolades including three stars in the Great Taste Awards, Gold in The Blás na hÉireann, and UK and Irish Quality Food Awards.

Patrick Black, Commercial Director at Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt said, “At Clandeboye, we produce an award-winning range of natural and Greek-style yoghurts, crafted with fresh whole milk from County Down at our creamery in Bangor. We’re delighted to be working with Sysco, a company that shares our commitment to quality and sustainability.”

Established over 30 years ago, The Yellow Door is a family-run food business with roots in artisan baking and outside catering. The company operates a dedicated bakery alongside a well-established catering division, supplying a range of handcrafted breads, pastries, and desserts. Production is based on traditional artisan techniques, with products made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and without additives or preservatives.

Gary Dougan, Bakery Manager at The Yellow Door said, “We’re excited to join forces with Sysco. This collaboration allows us to bring our range of handmade, quality-driven products to even more customers and local tables. Together, we’re championing artisan quality and celebrating the best of local produce.” I would like to congratulate Sysco on their new state-of-the-art premises in Belfast and wish them every success. I look forward to not only growing business together but forming new partnerships and ultimately gaining new friends along the way.”

Both Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt and The Yellow Door products are now available to order through Sysco Ireland. For pricing, availability, and ordering details, customers should contact their local Sysco sales representative.

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Katya Simmons is appointed managing director, Coffee Nestlé UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026.

Lorenzo Vigano has been appointed managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026. He takes over from Katya Simmons, who moves to lead Nestlé’s Coffee UK & Ireland division, also effective 1 January 2026.

Vigano most recently served as managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey and brings with him a wealth of experience in the out of home world, having joined Nestlé Italiana in 2012 to lead the Nestlé Professional Super Premium Beverage division. In 2013, he was appointed managing director Nestlé Professional Italy and managed the successful turn-around of the business, reshaping the organisation’s portfolio.

In 2015, Vigano was appointed head of beverages Nestlé Professional Europe (later EMENA) where he transformed the Beverage business across the region, actively working to build the global Coffee business strategy.

In 2023, Vigano became managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey, rapidly growing the business to become the 10th largest Nestlé Professional market.

He is known for his engaging and open leadership style, inspiring teams with passion and energy, and is credited for his balance of strategic vision with hands-on execution.

Speaking on his role, Lorenzo Vigano, said: “It’s a pleasure and honour to lead Nestlé Professional at such an exciting time. As we enter the new year, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting our customers across hospitality and foodservice. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional products and services, driven by our focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.”

Katya Simmons, who was most recently managing director, Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, has been appointed managing director for Coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026.

Simmons’ career began in Nestlé Russia in 2002, where she held several sales and commercial development team Confectionery assignments, before moving to marketing in 2010.

Simmons delivered strong market share growth and profitability turnaround, before going on to become managing director for Nestlé Professional Russia and Eurasia in 2015. Under her leadership, the business consistently delivered strong growth and new business wins.

In 2017, Simmons moved to the UK, becoming business effectiveness manager at Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. In 2018 she assumed her position of managing director Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, which she held for more than seven years.

The company praised Simmons for her leadership style, commitment to building an inclusive culture, broad omni-channel marketing and commercial experience that will now be applied to the Coffee sector.

Speaking on her new role, Katya Simmons, said: “I am thrilled to be leading the Coffee sector in the UK and Ireland. Coffee has an exciting future ahead of it and I am privileged and proud to be part of the team taking it forward. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve and how we’ll drive growth across our incredible brands”

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Ballygowan is sourced and bottled in Newcastle West, just 30 minutes from Adare Manor, making this a truly local partnership for one of the largest sporting events ever staged in Ireland.

The partnership is structured as a bespoke, Ireland-only agreement, reflecting a unique opportunity presented by the Ryder Cup returning to Irish soil.   Ballygowan represents the exceptional quality of Ireland’s local products and will be the exclusive water category partner for the event.

As part of the partnership, thousands of litres of Ballygowan Natural Mineral Water will be provided to players, officials, volunteers and attendees throughout the world’s most prestigious team golfing event.  Special focus will be placed on sustainability with road miles kept to a minimum given there is just 24km from source to venue.

The 2027 Ryder Cup is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators and a global television audience of hundreds of millions, placing Ireland firmly in the international sporting spotlight.

The announcement also marks a return to the Ryder Cup for Ballygowan, which previously served as Official Water Sponsor when Ireland last hosted the event at The K Club in 2006. Ballygowan has also been a partner of the Amgen Irish Open on the DP World Tour since 2006.

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director of Britvic Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud to return as an Official Supporter of the Ryder Cup in 2027. This partnership reflects Ballygowan’s heritage, its local roots in Limerick, and its long-standing connection with professional golf. Given that Ballygowan is bottled and sourced just 24km from Adare Manor, this is a unique opportunity to support one of the world’s greatest sporting events in a way that is local, practical, and sustainable.”

Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour Group, said: “The Ryder Cup is one of the most iconic events in world sport, and we are delighted to welcome Ballygowan back as an Official Supporter for 2027. Ballygowan’s strong Irish heritage, its local Limerick source and its proven track record at the Ryder Cup make it a natural partner as the event returns to Ireland for its 100th anniversary.”

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Amplifying its commitment to Irish football, the campaign includes an exciting new TV spot starring football legend Roy Keane and directed by the acclaimed Declan Lowney (known for Father Ted and Ted Lasso). This impactful piece of content is part of Rockshore’s summer-long celebration of Irish football, designed to elevate the league’s profile and connect with passionate fans across the country.

The video brings Keane right back to where it all began, in his home county, Cork, and tells a story, bursting with humour and heart, of the former Cobh Ramblers midfielder’s genuine connection with the LOI, and the people and fans that make the domestic game so special.

“Collaborating with Rockshore and the LOI on this campaign was fantastic,” says Declan Lowney, Director. “Rockshore’s clear vision for championing Irish football resonated deeply, allowing us to create an impactful piece that authentically connects Roy Keane, an Irish football legend, with his roots in Cork and the passionate fans who make the domestic game so special.”

Rockshore began their summer campaign in May with bold creative featuring the tagline, “They Think It’s All Over… It’s Only Kicking Off in the League of Ireland,” aiming to spark a wave of contagious energy around the LOI, strategically timed at the conclusion of domestic seasons across Europe.

This message was embodied by ads across social, print and digital OOH in Ireland, purposefully placed at Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Rosslare Harbour. These key travel hubs served as a reminder to Irish football fans returning home that football does not stop once summer arrives, and that ‘A League of Our Own” is right on their doorstep.

Rockshore is committed to bringing fans closer to the action than ever before, with further activations planned throughout the summer.

“Rockshore believes in the power of Irish football and the passion of its fans,” says Anne Zahan, Head of Beer, Diageo Ireland. “We see a huge opportunity to help further promote the League of Ireland. This campaign is about celebrating world-class, Irish football right on our doorstep all summer long, reminding everyone that this is a league of our own.”

As part of a four-year partnership announced earlier this year, Rockshore and Rockshore 0.0 are now the official beer and official alcohol-free beer of the LOI. This partnership signifies Rockshore’s commitment to elevating the conversation and capturing the nation’s attention around Irish football through championing the clubs, elevating the electrifying matches and celebrating the unwavering passion of the fans who make the LOI a truly unique sporting experience.

Rockshore and the LOI are united in their dedication to creating unforgettable moments, placing loyal supporters at the heart of the action and showcasing the world-class talent that thrives right here on Irish soil.

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