Northern Ireland sets new record in major food award
Northern Ireland food and drink companies, mostly smaller businesses, enjoyed a record year at the annual Blas na hEireann Irish National Food Awards held at Dingle in county Kerry as part of the popular Food Festival.
Four major awards were won by Northern Ireland producers for a broad range of products along with 50 medals, including 14 golds, during the three-day event.
Now in its 10th year, Blas na hEireann attracted over 3,000 entries from food and drink companies from across the island of Ireland.
The competition was founded by Irish businessman Artie Clifford to recognise and reward artisan and smaller food and drink companies for innovation and outstandingly tasty products.
Mr Clifford says: 'We attracted more entries this year than ever before, an indication of the vibrancy and ambition of food and drink companies throughout what has become known, justifiably, as the 'Food Island'. I was delighted, in particular, to see such a strong and ultimately very successful representation from Northern Ireland. In fact, it was a record year for awards to Northern Ireland producers.
"What I wanted to do was to provide a platform that would assist smaller food producers, in particular, to grow sales with retailers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain by showcasing their products to decision-makers. As a result, the final attracted buyers from across the British Isles, other parts of Europe and even the US. Contacts made at the event have produced good business for smaller companies over the years.
"Entries are increasing because the event works for companies in terms of business. Top buyers from major international retail and foodservice operations now spend the weekend in Dingle. They have opportunities to meet potential suppliers in a neutral environment. Over the past decade, we've seen many smaller producers signing deals with retailers they've been unable to reach before the event.
"This year the contest has seen a sharp increase in entries from categories such as sauces, morning goods, porridge, free-from food and premium 'good to go' options. There are now over 100 separate categories covering the industry.
The importance of the initiative has been identified and backed by the likes of Bord Bia, the Irish Sea Fisheries Board and University College Cork. Invest NI is also now a sponsor along with Andrews Ingredients in Lisburn, county Antrim and, most recently, Priory Press in Holywood, county Down. Launched with just 40 categories, the awards have now grown to 120.
The judging process is rigorous. The 3,000 food and drink products were judged at UCC's Sensory Analysis Unit over the month of July. The event is now the largest blind-tasted food awards in the country. Each product is delivered, labelled, stored, prepped for judging in its specific category and tasted by a panel of judges, all trained and experienced in sensory analysis. Hundreds of expert judges including chefs, food specialists, authors and journalists took part in the final judging stage.
The major awards were:
Best Artisan: Burren Balsamics, Richhill, county Armagh for Blackberry and Thyme Vinegar (Shane McArdle Award)
Best New Product: Lacada Brewing Craft Cooperative, Portrush, county Antrim for Devil's Washtub
Chefs' Larder: Gold Award to Cavanagh Free-Range Eggs, Newtownbutler, county Fermanagh
Shelf Life Award: Passion Preserved, Lisburn, county Antrim for Kasundi Hot Indian Pickle (£5,000 Shelf-Life marketing bursary).
Gold
Armagh Cider Company, Armagh for Spiced Apple Juice
Around Noon, Newry, county Down for Scribbles Unbleat-able Goat's Cheese,
Cranberry, Sweet Potato and Mango Munch Fest
Burren Balsamics, Richhill, county Armagh for Blackberry and Thyme Vinegar also Best in Ulster
Corndale Free Range Charcuterie, Limavady, county Derry for Fennel Salami
Brambleberry Jam, Lisburn, county Antrim for Sea Salted Caramel Sauce
Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Castlederg, county Tyrone for Rapeseed Oil
Erin Grove, Enniskillen, county Fermanagh for Classic Lemon Curd
Hannan Meats, Moira, county Down for Himalayan Salt Aged Sirloin Striploin
Morelli's Ice cream, Coleraine, county Derry for Luxury Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Clandeboye Greek Style Vanilla Yoghurt
Passion Preserved, Lisburn, county Antrim for Kasundi Hot Indian Pickle
Punjana, Belfast, county Antrim Irish Breakfast Tea
Sauceworks, Crossgar, county Down for French Dressing
White's Speedicook, Tandragee, county Armagh for Aldi's Kavanagh's Porridge Oats
Gold for Chefs' Larder - Cavanagh Free Range Eggs, Newtownbutler, county Fermanagh
Silver
Armagh Cider Company, Armagh for Doyle's Autumn Berry Cider
Avondale Foods, Lurgan, county Armagh for SuperValu Signature Taste Pasta and Feta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing;
Ballyriff Buffalo Burgers, Magherafelt, county Derry
Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Bangor, county Down for Aldi Specially Selected Greek Style Yogurt
Corndale Farm Free Range Chorizo
Corn Dolly, Newry, county Down for Square Wheaten Bread
Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Castlederg, county Tyrone for Aldi Specially Selected Rapeseed Oil
Dragon Brands, Strabane, county Tyrone for Really Saucy Tikka Mayonnaise
Golden Popcorn, Antrim, county Antrim for Salty Sea Epic popcorn
Hercules Brewing Company, Belfast, county Down for Yardsman Lager
Lacada Brewing Company, Portrush, county Antrim for Utopian Stout
Moy Park, Craigavon, county Armagh for Dunnes Stores Smokey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Summer Garden, Dungannon, county Tyrone for Heat and Eat Stuffing
Chefs' Larder Silver - Glenballyeamon Eggs, Ballycastle, county Antrim
Springmount Free Range Eggs, Ballygowan, county Down
Bronze
Ballinteer Farm Quail, Coleraine, county Derry for quail meat
Broighter Gold, Limavady, county Derry for Rapeseed Oil
Dragon Brands, Strabane, county Tyrone for Really Sauce Garlic Mayonnaise
Duvillaun Foods, Waringstown, county Down for Irish Sea Salt
East Coast Seafood, Downpatrick, county Down for Smoked Mature Cheddar and Spring Onion with Chives
Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Kircubbin, county Down for Raspberry Ruffle Sorbet
Golden Popcorn, Antrim, county Antrim for Sweet and Salty Dynamic Duo
John Woods, Armagh, county Armagh for Aldi Specially Selected Hot Cross Buns
Lacada Brewing Company, Portrush, county Antrim for Whiskey Barrel Aged Stout
Long Meadow Cider, Loughgall, county Armagh for Medium Cider
Long Meadow Cider, Loughgall, county Armagh for Blossom Burst Cider
Maud's Ice Cream, Carrickfergus, county Antrim
McErlain's Bakery, Magherafelt, county Derry for SuperValu and Centra Tea Brack
Papas Minerals, Bangor, county Down for Classic Peppermint Cordial
Red Dog, Kilkeel, county Down for Spanish Lemon Infused Sea Salt.
Chefs' Larder Bronze - Carol's Stock Market Natural Chicken Stock, Derry, co Londonderry
In addition
Ice Cream Treats in Cavan gained Silver and Bronze awards for its Frozen Yomega 3 Yogurt made with Omega 3 Oils provided by Paradox Oils in Belfast.