Producers of buffalo mozzarella, Connemara Hill Lamb and crackers were among the winners at the annual Irish Food Writers’ Guild awards in Dublin today.
Six food companies were singled out by the judges for representing the best of Irish produce. Rod and Julie Calder-Potts of Highbank Orchards in Co Kilkenny won an award for Highbank Orchard Syrup, a pouring apple syrup.
A joint award was presented to Sheridans Cheesemongers of Co Meath and Cookies of Character from Dunmanway, Co Cork. The cheese-makers have been working with Richard and Jane Graham-Leigh, who run Cookies of Character, to develop an Irish-made range of crackers to accompany cheese.
Toons Bridge Dairy in Macroom Co Cork was honoured for its buffalo mozzarella, made from a herd of water buffalo farmed in west Cork by Johnny Lynch.
The judges also highlighted the work done by farmers in Galway to promote Connemara Hill Lamb. It was the first Irish meat product to receive the European designation of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
An environmental award was presented to the Co Clare-based Irish Seed Savers Association, for its work in preserving native varieties of fruit and vegetables.
Companies or individuals cannot enter in the awards, which are in their 19th year. Members of the Irish Food Writers' Guild are invited to nominate products they believe represent the best of Irish produce.
