Fine Blas event for West Cork's food producers

BALLYVOURNEY-based preserve producer Folláin received prestigious awards at the recent Blas na hÉireann Awards.

They received two gold awards for their Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Bramley Apple & Fig Chutney and Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Sweet Chilli Sauce as well as two bronze awards.

 Also recognised was Helena Hickey of Skeaghanore Duck, based in Ballydehob who received a gold award for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better West Cork Irish Smoked Duck Breast.

Now in its 12th year, the awards, which are also known as The Irish Food Awards, are the biggest blind tasting competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Developed by Blas na hÉireann with the food science department of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, the awards are now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.   Products entered are blind-tasted which creates a level playing field for products from both large and small producers and are judged by a varied panel of chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, caterers as well as enthusiastic home cooks.

Michéal Ó’Liónaird of Folláin said: ‘Our story began over 30 years ago when my parents crafted our first product from a 100 year old family recipe for chunky grapefruit marmalade that had been passed down through several generations. From those humble beginnings we have worked hard to build our wholesome range of preserves and sauces. 

‘To receive several awards at Blas na hÉireann is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of our team and the true partnership we have with the team at Simply Better. We are delighted that people enjoy the taste of our products as much as we enjoy making them.’

The food producers of the Dunnes Stores Simply Better range took an impressive 35 awards, with 16 of those receiving a coveted gold.