Northern Irish products in Grocer Awards
Four foods from two Northern Irish companies have been successful in the finals of the Grocer magazines prestigious New Product Awards 2014.
The listed products were from Mash Direct, a farm-based specialist in convenience meals, and baker Genesis Crafty.
Mash Direct, based on a family farm at Comber in county Down, was the winner in Meal Accompaniments for its Potato, Cheese and Onion Croquettes.
The potato convenience product was rated in the food tasting for its "crispy" breadcrumb coating, "creamy" mash and "subtle" cheese and onion flavours.
The packaging was also praised as "attractive, clear, handy information". The product is available in 300g packs at £1.89 rrp.
Genesis Crafty, a family-owned bakery in Magherafelt, county Londonderry, had three products reach the final stages in the Bakery category - Blueberry Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Mini Sultana Scones.
Genesis Crafty is run by six McErlain brothers, all qualified bakers and supplies most leading UK supermarkets including Marks and Spencer.
The New Product Awards is the Grocer's annual celebration of the best new foods for the grocery business in the UK and Ireland.
Products were listed in 35 categories and announced at a gala celebration, the culmination of a nine-month search for the "stars of branded NPD". The event attracted more than 250 entries from all over the UK and Ireland.
There were 35 winners "champions of innovation" announced by the Grocer. In addition, there were 22 products highly commended and 81 finalists listed by a panel of leading experts.