Bewley's, Cuinneog, Java Republic, James Whelan Butchers, Quinlan’s Kerry Fish and Ballyhoura Mushrooms were among the Irish companies earning a coveted three-star accolade at the Great Taste Awards, announced yesterday.
Bewley's won the top accolade for its Bewley’s Fair-trade Special Blend Tea (as well as for its private label tea for Fortnum & Mason), while Cuinneog earned the accolade for its Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter, and James Whelan won for its Beef Dripping.
Quinlan’s Kerry fish won two three star awards, for its Smoked Irish Organic Salmon and Smoked Irish organic Salmon cured with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt. Ballyhoura also won two three star honours, for its Cep Oil and Mushroom Vinegar.
The highest ranked private label product belonging to an Irish retailer went to SuperValu’s Brown Soda Loaf, produced by Northern Ireland’s Genesis Crafty bakery, which earned three stars.
Aldi Stores Ltd won three stars for both its Specially Selected Perfect Storm IPA and Specially Selected Golden Ratio Pale Ale.
Among the two star winners were Dunnes Stores, Lidl Ireland, Tesco Ireland, Aldi Stores Ireland and Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland.
The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world and the ‘epicurean equivalent of the Booker prize’. Over 400 judges took part in this year’s competition.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
