Local producers fare well at top food awards

FOUR West Cork producers have been highlighted for their unique products created as part of Dunnes Stores ‘Simply Better’ food collection at the recent Irish Quality Food Awards 2016.

The four were: Sheridan’s Cheesemongers’ in Clonakilty who won the Biscuit Savoury category for its irish wholemeal crackers, Spice O’Life in Dunmanway won the Dairy Chilled category for its fresh irish Madagascan vanilla bean custard, Keohone’s Seafood in Bantry won the Fish Fresh category for its wild Atlantic jumbo prawns and Folláin jams in Ballyvourney won the Relish and Chutney category for a handmade tomato, chilli & balsamic relish.

Another West Cork company recognised on the night was Regale Biscuits in Dunmanway, who were highly commended for their all butter oat & cranberry cookies.

‘We are thrilled to have received awards for our Simply Better biscuits, custard, fish and relish products created with Cork food producers and would like to congratulate them all. 

We work with the very best artisan producers across Ireland and Europe and are looking forward to announcing exciting new collaborations over the coming months,’ said Diarmuid Murphy, Dunnes Stores Simply Better brand manager. 

The Simply Better range scooped 26 awards on the night, with Dunnes Stores winning the overall ‘Retailer of the Year’ award. Celebrity chef Neven Maguire, who attended the awards ceremony, is the new Simply Better brand ambassador and travels the country to meet with suppliers and producers.

The Irish Quality Food Awards are now in their fourth year.