Five food providers and one famous cook were honoured by top chefs yesterday for their commitment to food quality in Ireland.
The 2007 Cavan Crystal food awards were presented to those "who have championed traditional and local products and production methods". The European Community of Cooks seeks to promote locally-sourced food to protect culinary heritage.
Dairy farmers Glenilen Farm in Drimoleague, west Cork, were acknowledged for diversifying their traditional dairy farm to include production of butter, cream, yoghurt and dairy-based desserts.
Michael McGrath, a fourth generation butcher from Lismore, Co Waterford, was recognised for maintaining traditional methods passed down to him and for working out of the same shop established by his grandfather in 1900.
Flahavans mills in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, was commended for "maintaining high production standards in keeping with traditional methods and environmental concerns".
After 35 years operating a trawler, Terry Butterly began smoking and filleting fish and processing crab. The business has grown into Coastguard Seafoods, based in Annagassan, Co Louth.
Ditty's Home Bakery of Castledawson, Co Derry, was selected for its commitment to Ireland's bakery tradition and to using local ingredients.
Cook, teacher, food writer and one-time television producer Darina Allen was honoured with the award for "special contribution". She runs the Ballymaloe cookery school and organic farm in Shanagarry, Co Cork.
The 2007 awards were presented by celebrity chef and cookbook author Neven Maguire at the Westin Hotel, Dublin.