Donnybrook Fair was recognised as the Best Supermarket for France at the inaugural French Champion Awards last week.
The retailer was recognised for the diversity of French products on shelves, and was nominated alongside Dunnes Stores.
Fallon & Byrne was shortlisted for the Best Delicatessen for France but was beat out by Iciar.
Iciar received the prize in acknowledgement of the team’s support for small, innovative producers from all corners of France.
‘Shared Passion For Eating Well’
The ceremony took place at French Food Days Ireland in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin on Thursday 18 April.
French Food Days is a one-day trade event dedicated to bringing the taste of France to Ireland.
Business France, the French government trade agency, organised the event and the awards.
It aims to recognise the contribution of the Irish trade in raising the profile of French produce.
The four categories were Best Importer for France, Best Supermarket for France, Best Restaurant for France and Best Delicatessen for France.
Businesses were nominated and voted for by a panel of Irish professionals, with two finalists in each category.
Elodie Morin-Rager, the director of Business France Ireland, was joined by the deputy head of mission of the French Embassy in Ireland Marianne Barkan-Cowdy and the head of food and drink at Business France UK and Ireland Pauline Gauthier to present the awards.
Speaking at the event, Gauthier said, “Every year, Business France is delighted to gather some of the most exciting French food producers in Dublin demonstrating France and Ireland’s shared passion for eating well.
“It’s a real privilege to celebrate the role the Irish trade plays in getting French products onto tables across the country.”
La Rousse Foods won Best Importer for France in a tight race against Odaios.
The Best Restaurant for France was between Dax Restaurant and Piglet Wine Bar.
Dax Restaurant took home the honour due to its exemplary French food and wines collection.
French Food Days
The French Food Days event saw over 50 Irish food professionals sign up. They met the nine exhibitors keen to expand their presence in Ireland.
Adec, the agency in charge of promoting Corsican companies internationally, supported this year's event.
As a result, Irish professionals enjoyed a Corsican flavour to this year’s proceedings.
They enjoyed artisan biscuits, olive oils, vinegars, jams, pâtés and teas among other delicacies from the ‘Isle of Beauty.’
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