SuperValu has emerged as the top-scoring retailer by some distance in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards, which celebrate excellence in Irish food and drink.
The chain walked away with 63 awards, including gold medals for its Signature Tastes Irish Corned Beef (supplied by O’ Brien Fine Foods), Hot and Spicy Cod Fillets (supplied by Dunns of Dublin) and its Signature Tastes Raspberry Conserve (supplied by Folláin).
Aldi was the second most successful retailer, scoring 22 awards, in a performance that reflects the growing importance of quality as well as price credentials to discount chains operating in Ireland. Its award-winning products included the Butchers Selection Lamb Rack (supplied by Irish Country Meats) and its Mature Cheddar made by Carbery, both of which were awarded gold medals.
This year’s top award overall – that of Supreme Champion – went to the ready-to-eat crab meat product from Quinlan’s. Other key awards included Honeysuckle Shrub from The Wild Irish Foragers & Preservers, which was named best new product, while Hannan’s Meats was awarded a gong for the product with the most export potential for its Hot Smoked Chicken Fillet.
Irish minister for food and agriculture Simon Coveney was named producers’ champion.
Overall, the awards, which are held in the town of Dingle and coincide with the annual Dingle Food Festival, received more than 2,000 entries which were judged by a committee of 400 judges. Awards chairman Artie Clifford said there had been an increase in entries from producers making beers, coffee and dietary-specific products. “Once again, the judges faced a challenge in selecting the very best,” he added. “For the winners, I wish them very well as they go forward with these awards to their name.”
No comments yet