NIFDA was founded on 17 January 1996, to support, represent and promote the interests of the Northern Ireland food and drink industry. For the past quarter of a century the industry has seen a period of essentially continuous growth for the sector, and today Northern Ireland food and drink remains Northern Ireland’s largest single manufacturing industry and a key driver for economic growth in Northern Ireland. Today, NIFDA continues to champion the sector, engaging with all levels of government to give the industry a voice that is heard where it matters, as well as offering training services and facilitating industry forums on key issues.

Past Chairpersons

2024 - Present
Professor Ursula Lavery MBE

Technical and R&D Director, Pilgrim's Europe

2022 - 2024
George Mullan

Managing Director-Northern Ireland, ABP

2020 – 2022
Nick Whelan

Group Chief Executive, Dale Farm

2018 – 2020
Brian Irwin

Chairman, Irwin’s Bakery

2016 – 2018
Declan Billington MBE

Managing Director, John Thompson & Sons

2014 – 2016
Dr David Dobbin CBE

Chief Executive, United Dairy Farmers

2010 – 2014
Tony O’Neill OBE

Marketing & Business Development Director, Moy Park Ltd

2008 – 2010
Richard Moore

Joint Managing Director, Linden Foods

2006 – 2008
David H Malseed

Managing Director, United Molasses (Ireland) Ltd

2004 – 2006
John Barrett

Executive Director, Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd

2002 – 2003
Michael Moreland

Managing Director, Andrews Holdings

2000 – 2002
Alan Gibson

Purchasing Director, Moy Park Ltd

1998 – 2000
Arthur Anderson

General manager, Tayto NI Ltd

1996 – 1998
Dr Trefor Campbell CBE, F.R.Ag.S

Managing Director, Moy Park Ltd