Clandeboye Estate Yoghurts lead NI wins at 2024 Blas na h’Eireann Awards

Northern Ireland’s Clandeboye Estate, has won the ‘Best New Product’ award sponsored by Invest NI for its indulgent Raspberry and White Chocolate Greek Style Yoghurt at the 2024 Blas na hÉireann awards in Dingle. The yoghurt producer was also named ‘Best in Ulster’.   

Often called the ‘Irish food Oscars’, the Blas na hÉireann awards highlight the best of Irish produce with a series of bronze, silver and gold awards, and this year's crop of Northern winners are no different. Local food and drink companies picked up ninety-two awards including 26 Golds, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze at the three-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink. 

Bangor-based Clandeboye Estate has a unique history. The late Lady Dufferin, part of the Guinness family who owned the estate, started the yoghurt business in 2007 to add value to the milk from the pedigree cows which graze on the estate. Initially, the products were sold from their own little honesty shop and St George’s Market in Belfast. Products are made using an authentic Greek-style method, which is unique in Ireland. In September ALDI Ireland agreed a major new deal with Clandeboye Estate Yogurts worth more than £8.6 million to supply granola and Greek-style craft yoghurts, as well as supplying Aldi UK stores for the first time. The international expansion should allow Clandeboye to grow its sales volumes by more than 450 per cent and expand its 20-strong workforce.

Several Northern Ireland producers returned home from Dingle with the coveted ‘Chef’s Larder’ award supported by Bora Bia including: Capparelli Ltd Stoneground Organic Einkorn Pasta and  White Spelt, Carol’s Stock Market Cottage Stone Broth, Crawford’s Rock Seaweed Co Seaweed Seasoning Smoked Whisky Toasted Garlic Nori & Rosemary and En Place Foods Fresh Lovage Oil & Truffle Butter.

Named ‘Best in County’ were:

Best in Antrim: Thompson’s Tea

Best in Armagh: Jackson Roze

Best in Derry: Vittle Bakeshop

Best in Down: Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt

Best in Fermanagh: Kettyle Irish Foods

Best in Tyrone: En Place Foods

Best in Ulster: (Shane McArdle shield): Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt                    

Commenting on the success of Northern Ireland food and drink producers at this year’s Blas awards, Grainne Moody, Interim Food and Drink Director, Invest NI said: “I would like to congratulate the NI businesses recognised by Blas Na hÉireann, an important stamp of excellence for their products.

“Their success across this year’s awards demonstrates the outstanding commitment of local businesses to innovate and produce quality food and drink that tastes great.”

Speaking as the winners were announced, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford said, “We are once again delighted to celebrate such deserving winners at Blas na hÉireann 2024. After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in our food and drink industry here on the island of Ireland. Every year, the standard is raised even higher, and it’s an honor for myself and the entire Blas team to showcase these exceptional products and the dedicated producers behind them to a wider audience.”

Blas na hÉireann 2024 saw the return of the Blas Village where this year’s finalists got the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers. The festival focused market ‘Eat Ireland in a Day’ was back for a third year and included a brand new Meet the Maker stage.

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year. During the judging, which took place throughout June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories as well as key awards. As the competition intensifies each year, earning the prestigious Blas accreditation is a significant accomplishment, signifying that the shortlisted finalists and eventual winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in Irish food and drink.