Tasty Northern Ireland products shortlisted in UK Quality Food Awards

Nine products from five Northern Ireland companies have been shortlisted in this Quality Food Awards, the UK’s most influential competition for outstanding foods from major supermarkets.

The awards are the most prestigious awards for food and drink products on sale in UK grocery outlets. What sets these awards apart is the impartiality and robustness of the judging process.

The Northern Ireland contenders include industry leaders such as Armagh Cider Co in Armagh, Avondale Foods in Lurgan, Finnebrogue Artisan in Downpatrick, part of Lynn’s Country Foods, Mash Direct, Comber and Unimush, Armagh.

The awards, which are sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland, showcase quality and delicious foods entered by major grocery retailers in Britain. Supermarkets entering shortlisted foods from Northern Ireland are Asda and Morrisons, Avondale Foods with two products and Finnebrogue with four shortlisted. They are an important endorsement in quality food from producers by the supermarkets.

Chair of the judging panel Simon Wright says: “This year we received some fantastic entries which really impressed the judges. It is a real testament to the creativity and the commitment of food manufacturers and retailers that so many great products were launched this year under such challenging circumstances.

“We enjoyed trying the thousands of products that were entered by supermarkets, major brands, and artisan producers and are delighted to highlight the best,” he adds.

The shortlisted Northern Ireland food products and the companies producing them:

Salad

Avondale Foods, Lurgan - Asda Extra Special Yogurt Coleslaw and
Asda Supergreen, Quinoa and Kale Salad.

Vegetables
Unimush Ireland, Armagh: Morrisons The Best Oak Smoked Cheddar & Sundried Tomato Mini Stuffed Mushrooms.

Meal Accompaniments
Mash Direct, Comber: Beer Battered Chips

Meat 
Finnebrogue Artisan, Downpatrick:  Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon:

Sausages
Finnebrogue Artisan, Downpatrick: Asda Extra Special Red Leicester & Spring Onion Sausages.
Free From

Vegan Meat and Fish Substitutes
Finnebrogue Artisan, Downpatrick: Asda Plant Based Chorizo Style Sausages and Asda Plant Based Meat Free Sausages.

Cider

Armagh Cider Co: Armagh Craft Cider Sweet for Aldi.