The most eagerly-awaited date in the grocery calendar is fast approaching

Guests at the 2023 Grocers Ball at Culloden Hotel & Spa

As the most prestigious event in Northern Ireland’s grocery calendar, the Grocery Aid Grocers Ball welcomes 350 guests from all sectors of the industry annually to a glittering ball at the Culloden Hotel & Spa.

Guests at the event on May 24 will enjoy an evening of exquisite food, celebration and live entertainment, with an extensive range of prizes up for grabs – all for a fantastic cause.

Organised in aid of Grocery Aid by key representatives from across the industry, the event is now in its 25th year. It’s now recognised as the industry’s premier night, where the Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Award winners are also recognised.

Desi Derby, Grocers Ball chair, said: “The Grocer’s Ball has become a highlight event in the local grocery calendar. The sub-committee and I are really looking forward to the event which promises an evening of great food, entertainment, prizes and craic.

"And in doing so we’ll raise vital funds to support local grocery colleagues through a range of emotional, practical and financial services.”

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The Grocers Ball wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of sponsors.

Shane McNally, country manager of this years’ title sponsor, Freixenet Copestick, said: “Freixenet Copestick are delighted to be sponsors for such an important event and to add to our work with Grocery Aid in Great Britain. The charity helps, in so many ways, those in our industry.

"More important than ever post pandemic and in the midst of a cost of living crisis supports like these are absolutely essential and invaluable.”

Other Gold sponsors include Coca Cola Hellenic Bottlers, DFDS, Henderson Group, Hinch Distillery, Hovis, Isle of Man Creamery, Kerry Foods, Pilgrim Foods, Moet Hennessy, Musgrave, Sainsbury’s, SHS, Tesco and Travel Department.

Four key Grocery Aid events held in 2023 raised a fantastic £120,000 allowing the charity to support five times the number of colleagues they were able to support in 2019. This equated to 1,500 people, including 200 financial grants totalling just over £100k.

Tickets are now on sale for the Grocers Ball. Contact Davy Neill David.Neill@pilgrimsfoodmasters.com or Ellen Wright Ellen.Wright@moypark.com to attend.