A popular trader at Belfast’s St George’s Market has proven that she is one of the ‘leading lights’ in the national food industry.
Jacquelyn Stewart, who trades under the name of Squeeze Juice Café, won the ‘Kraft Foods Leading Edge Leading Light Award’ at the recent IGD Food Industry Awards in London.
The awards celebrate the remarkable talent in the food and grocery industry across the United Kingdom, and recognise the achievements of companies in food manufacturing, farming, retail, distribution, wholesaling and foodservice.
When faced with the closure of her juice bar outlet, Jacquelyn worked with the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute in Belfast to extend the shelf life of her 100 per cent natural wheatgrass juices from two hours to 12 weeks. In addition to trading every Saturday and Sunday at St George’s Market, Jacquelyn has also made the move to retailing juices online and now exports to Belgium, Spain and the USA as well as all over the British Isles.
Presenting the ‘Leading Light’ award to Jacquelyn, Maurizio Brusadelli, President of Kraft Foods UK & Ireland, said:
“Jacquelyn stood out with the challenges she had overcome on both a personal and business level. Her passion and commitment to the product and her determination to build her business sustainably is truly inspirational and marks her out as a Leading Light in every sense of the word.”
Jacquelyn, who is from Warrenpoint, said :
“I was amazed to make the shortlist in the first place and couldn’t quite believe that I was one of the three finalists. As a small, independent business this is great recognition for the work I have done in producing and marketing my natural Wheatgrass Shot.
“I am absolutely delighted to have won this award. PR is important to all businesses but for a small operation like my own, winning an award like this is an invaluable boost for building brand recognition.