The sweet taste of success for West Cork's food producers

BY EMMA CONNOLLY 

WEST Cork food producers had the recipe for success at the 10th Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards.

There were double honours for Gloun Cross Dairy from Dunmanway, who got two gold  medals for their double cream and farm fresh milk. 

Durrus Cheese, Ballydehob’s Skeaghanore Duck, Clonakilty’s Black Pudding, Gubbeen and Bandonvale were also on the honours list at the awards, which were presented on Monday. 

This was the 10th year of the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. They are the largest blind-tasted food awards in the country. This year more than 400 finalist producers competed in 130 categories.

Bantry’s Keohane Seafoods, Union Hall Smoked Fish  and Clonakilty’s Shannonvale were also prize winners on the day, along with Carrigaline-based Hassett’s Bakery. 

Ballyvourney’s Folláin was awarded for its raspberry and strawberry conserve for SuperValu, as well as silver for its Aldi specially selected irish relish jalapeno pepper. Maggie’s Jam was also honoured along with Bandon’s Milseán Chocolate. Clona Dairy Clonakilty was also a silver medalist for its SuperValu crème fraiche. 

Glenstal Irish Creamery Salted Butter made in Murroe, Co Limerick, traditionally churned and wrapped in parchment paper, was this year’s Supreme Champion. See irishfoodawards.com