Alastair Bell, founder of Irish Black Butter, recently attended the prestigious Celtic Chefs event in Washington, D.C., as part of the esteemed Washington Ireland Programme (WIP). The exclusive gathering brought together influential figures from the Irish-American community, showcasing Irish culinary excellence and cultural heritage.
At the event, Alastair introduced guests to his award-winning Irish Black Butter—a rich, dark apple conserve made with EU PGI Armagh Bramley apples, cider, brandy, treacle, and spices. Guests were treated to tastings and learned about the product’s unique story, rooted in Ireland’s food traditions. The preserve received enthusiastic praise for its complex flavour and versatility, sparking interest from chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
One of the evening’s highlights was Alastair’s meeting with Dr. Norah Patten, Ireland’s first astronaut, who is a strong advocate for Irish innovation and global engagement. Their conversation underscored the event’s spirit of connection and ambition.
Participation in the Washington Ireland Programme has offered Alastair a unique platform to share his passion for Irish produce whilst engaging with a network of emerging leaders and changemakers. His presence at the Celtic Chefs event marks another milestone in Irish Black Butter’s journey onto the international stage.
