Northern Irish Clandeboye Yoghurt wins top dairy award

Clandeboye Estate, Northern Ireland's only yoghurt producer, has won a major award in an influential food event in Dublin. It was chosen as the best yoghurt for a delicious breakfast.

The organic yoghurt producer, based at Bangor, county Down, won the Dairy category at the new Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards in association with Failte Ireland, the Irish tourism organisation. The awards were presented at a gala event in Dublin.

Clandeboye uses fresh milk from the farm's 100-strong Jersey and Holstein herd and hand strains the yoghurt. As well as natural Greek style, the company produces an award winning Madagascan vanilla and fruit varieties in small batches.

Bryan Boggs, Clandeboye Yoghurt general manager, says: "We are delighted to have won such important recognition. It's really appreciated and will enhance our marketing activities throughout Ireland."

Commenting on the success of Clandeboye Yoghurt, Georgina Campbell, who runs Ireland's leading independent hospitality guide, says; " Many people will be surprised to hear that this is the only yoghurt made in Northern Ireland but, boy, is it a good one.

"Free from additives or preservatives, it is blended by hand and cultured very gently over 24 hours in small batches, which helps create an exceptional flavour and texture. It makes a great contribution to a thoughtfully assembled breakfast menu."

There was recognition too for the quality of the traditional Northern Irish breakfast ingredients when Newforge House, Magheralin, county Armagh gained an award for its breakfasts of local, seasonal produce including Armagh apple juice, organic yoghurt from Clandeboye and delicious hot dishes in which Moyallon dry cured bacon from Hannan Meats, Moira, county Down and award-winning sausages and puddings from Madden's butchers in Lurgan, also county Armagh.

Georgina Campbell Guides is a family-run, hospitality guide and cookbook publishers with a big reputation that specialises in Irish food, hospitality and travel.

Established in 1997 by Georgina Campbell, Ireland's leading food and hospitality writer, the company's flagship products are Georgina Campbell's Ireland - the Guide (All The Best Places to Eat, Drink & Stay) and its associated website and mobile phone applications.

As the longest-running independent hospitality awards in Ireland, the awards are highly sought after. The award winners are selected based on the reports and findings of an annual assessment process - all recommended establishments are considered for all relevant awards each year with there is no charge for entry or for winners.