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#LoveIrishDairy ndc.ie 24|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Celebrating the best Irish food and drinks The winners of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2019 have been announced, recognising the finest indigenous products available in Irish stores.

THE winners of the prestigious Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2019 were announced on Thursday, October 24, to a packed house at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, . Producers, retailers and wholesalers from across the Irish food and drink industry came together to celebrate the very best produce available in Ireland. Products were judged earlier this year by a panel of over 50 food experts from across Ireland and the UK over a three-week period at the University of , with awards presented to the finest products across more than 50 categories. The awards include both branded and own-label produce, and highlight the efforts made by retailers and wholesalers to provide the best quality at the best prices for their customers, both the general public and Pictured at the presentation of the Gold Q Award to North Creameries the foodservice industry. are (l-r): Beckie Dart, Director, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards; Ruairi Callaghan, North Cork Creameries; and Hector Ó hEochagáin, Irish Quality Special Awards Food and Drink host. In addition to the category winners being announced (see the full list of winners here: www.irish.qualityfoodawards.com and on page 28), a number of special awards were also announced. The Gold Q Winner, the highest product accolade in the Quality Food Awards, was presented to North Cork Creameries, Kanturk, Co. Cork, for their Pure Irish Creamery Butter. Wildberry Bakery, Balineen, West Cork, took home the Christmas Gold Q Award for their Jewelled Christmas Cake. The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Ireland, was won by the Cotter Brothers, producers of Cotter Organic Lamb at Dromtrasna North, West Limerick. This award recognises and Wildberrry Bakery were the winners of the Christmas Gold Q Award. appreciates individuals aged under 25 Pictured are: Beth Treleaven, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards; Susan who have a passion for quality food and and Tom Robbins Fehily, Wildberry Bakery; and event MC, Hector Ó drink. hEochagáin. Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|25 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Aldi to the fore ’S award-winning year continued at Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, with the retailer’s award winners including everything from cheese to steak and salad to cider. Aldi’s leading private-label range has won hundreds of awards in 2019, encouraging more Irish shoppers to try its stores and contributing to its buoyant sales. Aldi is Ireland’s fastest-growing , with sales surging ahead by 10.9% equating to 11,000 additional shoppers. “These awards are a real endorsement of the quality and value of our range,” noted Aldi Ireland’s Group Buying Director, John Curtin. “Many of our winning products are sourced from market The team from celebrate being named Retailer of the Year leading Irish suppliers, including and Christmas Retailer of the Year. ABP Cahir, ’s Blackwater Distillery and Macroom Buffalo Celebrating Food Heroes technical team, helping their company to Mozzarella. We work with over The Food Hero Award, sponsored by reduce or even eliminate food waste 200 Irish producers and are very Aldi Ireland, was presented to Oonagh The Meet the Buyer Award, proud that so many of our products Monaghan, editor of Money For Jam and sponsored by Limerick Enterprise and local producers have been founder of Alpha Omega, consultants Office, went to Wicklow Gold Beechwood recognised.” in food business development, based in Smoked Cheddar, produced by Wicklow The Irish Quality Food and Manorhamilton, Co. Letrim. The Food Farmhouse Cheese, Arklow, Co. Drink Awards celebrate and reward Hero Award recognises an individual who Wicklow. This new award was presented the finest food and drink products stands out in the industry for their sheer to the Wicklow company, who excelled on Irish shelves, while The Irish passion, drive, enthusiasm and hard at the IIQFA Meet the Buyer event which Good Choice Quality Food Awards work. took place earlier this year. highlight food products that are The No Time for Waste Award, Dunnes Stores was named both specifically designed and marketed sponsored by Ireland, was won by Retailer of the Year and Christmas as Free From, for an alternative Ballymaguire Foods, Lusk, Co. Dublin. Retailer of the Year, recognising the diet, or are healthier options to As part of the prize, Ballymaguire Foods huge innovation this Irish family-owned mainstream products. will be given the opportunity to have a supermarket group has brought to the Aldi’s list of winners included a year’s mentoring with ’s retail landscape. Gold Award for Armagh Craft Cider, as well as Aldi Specially Selected Irish Lamb Burgers, Aldi Specially Selected Irish Angus Rib Roast on the Bone, Aldi Specially Selected Italian Parmigiano Reggiano Wedge, Aldi Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Salad Cubes, Aldi Specially Selected Handtied Sausages and Aldi Basil Topped Houmous Topped with Pesto & Parmesan Cheese.

Small Producer of the Year The Small Producer of the Year Award, sponsored by Dunnes Stores Simply Better, went to O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Company, Enniscorthy, Co. . As part of this prize, O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Company will have the opportunity to work directly with The Small Producer of the Year Award was won by O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon the Dunnes Stores Simply Better Company. Pictured are: Diarmuid Murphy, Dunnes Stores; Mary and Pat development and buying team, as well O'Neill, O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon; and event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin. as the marketing team, to launch the 26|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Oonagh Monaghan, Alpha Omega Consultant/Money Brendan Conway from Lidl Ireland presents the Rising for Jam, accepts the Food Hero Award from Aldi Ireland’s Star Award to Nick and Jack Cotter, Cotter Organic Lamb, Group Buying Director, John Curtin, and Hector Ó with event host, Hector Ó hEochagáin. hEochagáin, event MC. brand with Dunnes. Irish Quality Drinks Awards Shining a light All the small producers who entered There were a number of Irish Quality “Yet again we have been inundated with their produce into the awards were Drinks Awards announced, including the highest quality produce in Ireland,” considered by the Dunnes Stores Simply Armagh Dry Craft Cider from Aldi noted Beckie Dart, Director of the Irish Better team using the Irish Quality Ireland; Tesco Finest Premier Cru Quality Food & Drink Awards. “The Food and Drink Awards’ robust judging Champagne; Allini Prosecco Spumante Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards are criteria: quality, ingredients, taste, Conegliano from Lidl; Chianti Dunnes proud to help shine a light on Ireland’s aroma, innovation, packaging and price. Stores Simply Better Chianti Classico best from both branded and own label A shortlist of three companies then DOCG Riserva; Listoke 1777 Small Batch markets. Congratulations to all those made a ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation Gin; Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albarino; who were shortlisted and winners. We before the judges arrived at the winner. Tesco Finest French Grain Vodka; Tesco can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store!” Last year’s winner, Wildberry Bakery Finest Sauternes; and La Fabrique a vin Follow the latest news and has just started supplying its delicious Alicante Bouschet IGP Pays d’Oc 2018 competitions via the IQFA Facebook carrot and walnut cakes to Dunnes from Dunnes Stores. page at www.facebook.com/ Stores, and on the back of this new IrishQualityFoodAwards and on Twitter @ contract is taking on two new staff. IrishQFAs.

The Meet the Buyer Award went to Wicklow Farmhouse Tesco Ireland’s Head of Technical Law, Tracey McDermott, Cheese. Eamon Ryan, Limerick Local Enterprise Office, presents the No Time for Waste Award to Edward presents the award to father and son, John Hempenstall Spelman, Managing Director, Ballymaguire Foods, with (second from right) and Johnnie Hempenstall (second event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin. from left), alongside event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin. 28|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Award Winners

Gold Q Award Meet the Buyer Award: Retailer of the Year: North Cork Pure Irish Creamery Butter Wicklow Gold Beechwood Smoked Dunnes Stores Cheddar - Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Christmas Q Award Christmas Retailer of the Year: Wildberry Bakery Jewelled Christmas No Time for Waste Award: Dunnes Stores Cake Ballymaguire Foods Small Producer of the Year: Food Hero Award: Rising Star Award: O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon Co. Oonagh Monahan, Food Business Cotter Brothers, Producers – Cotter Development - Alpha Omega Consultant/ Organic Lamb Money for Jam

Irish Good Choice Quality Food Awards Dairy: Tesco Organic Low Fat Milk Free From Gluten - Biscuits and Alternative: Tesco Bran Flakes Food To Go: Vegan Sweet Potato Fritter Cakes: Wildberry Bakery Chocolate and Ready Meals: Pickle Organic Succulent and Spiced Hummus Wrap - Deli Lites Raspberry Cake Slow Cooked Organic Irish Lamb Free From Allergens - Savoury: Tesco Free From Gluten - Meats: Garlic Shoulder & Date Tagine Wicked Kitchen Hella' Hot Cracked Corn Chicken Kiev - Rosie & Jim Reduced Fat Meat: Gluten Free Breaded Dip Free From Gluten - Other: Roll It All Chicken Fillets - Rosie & Jim Free From Allergens - Sweet: Butter Pastry Reduced/Low: Wexford Home Preserves Supernature Hazelnut Clusters Grocery Ambient: Healthy and No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam

Irish Quality Food Awards

Bacon: O'Neills Dry Cured Back Rashers Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Salad Acacia Honey and Mustard Glaze - Bakery - Bread Rolls: Tesco Chia Seed Cubes Connolly Meats and Sunflower Roll Cheeses - Irish Hard Cheese: Aldi Christmas Q - Savoury: Dunnes Stores Bakery - Breakfast Baked Goods: Tesco Specially Selected Vintage Irish Cheddar Simply Better Award Winning Orange & 5 Mini Danish Pastries - Traditional Cheese Honey Ham Glaze Bakery - Flatbreads: Tesco Finest Cheeses - Irish Soft Cheese: Wicklow Christmas Q - Sweet: Aldi Specially Flame Baked Peshwari Naan Bread Bán Brie - Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Selected Irish Brandy Butter Bakery - Home Baking and Cakes: Tesco Cheeses - Speciality Cheese: Tesco Christmas Q - Turkey: Dunnes Stores Pour and Bake Salted Caramel Cakes Finest Gorgonzola PDO Piccante Make Christmas Free Range Fresh Irish Bakery - Large Loaves: Tesco Ciabatta Children's Food: Dan & Monstro Reared Turkey Crown with a Sage & Grande Homemade Curry Sauce Onion Stuffing Bakery - Packaged Loaves: Tesco Finest Chilled Dairy: Dunnes Stores Simply Cold Beverages - Carbonates: King of Oatmeal & Linseed Loaf Better Fresh Irish Madagascan Vanilla Kefir - Herbel Crest Bakery - Speciality Loaves: Tesco Finest Bean Custard Cold Beverages - Juices and Smoothies: Sourdough Chocolate and Confectionery: Dunnes Keelings Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Bakery - Wheaten and Soda Bread: Stores Simply Better Irish Salted - Keeling F Juices Jinny's Irish Stout Bread - Jinny's Caramel Fudge Cold Beverages - Presse and Cordials: Bakery Christmas Q - Cakes and Puddings: Tesco Finest Sparkling Sicilian Lemon & Beef: Aldi Specially Selected Irish Angus Wildberry Bakery Jewelled Christmas Garden Mint Presse Rib Roast on the Bone Cake Condiments: Dunnes Stores Simply Biscuits - Savoury: Dunnes Stores Christmas Q - Cheese and Better Handmade Sweet Chilli Sauce Simply Better Irish Multi Seed Rye Cheeseboards: Tesco Finest Irish Cooking Sauces: Szechuan Sauce - My Crackers Cheese Collection Apricot Kitchen Biscuits - Sweet: Dunnes Stores Simply Christmas Q - Confectionery: Dunnes Crisps: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Better Cantuccini Toscani PGI Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Hand Cooked Clogherhead Sea Salt & Breakfast Products: The Chia Collective Nougat Selection White Wine Vinegar Crisps Organic Chia Muesli with Cranberry, Christmas Q - Desserts: Dunnes Stores Delicatessen Goods - Antipasti: Aldi Spelt and Popped Grains Simply Better Irish Handmade Bûche De Specially Selected Oriental Side Salad Butters and Spreads: North Cork Pure Noël Delicatessen Goods - Continental Irish Creamery Butter Christmas Q - Fish: Dunnes Stores Meats: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Cheeses - Continental Hard Cheese: Simply Better Handmade Irish Smoked Italian Prosciutto Di Parma Aldi Specially Selected Italian Trout Pâté Delicatessen Goods - Dips: Aldi Basil Parmigiano Reggiano Wedge Christmas Q - Other Meats: Lidl Deluxe Topped Houmous Topped with Pesto & Cheeses - Continental Soft Cheese: Aldi Dry Cured Irish Bacon Loin Joint with Parmesan Cheese Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|29 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Delicatessen Goods - Meat Based Items: Fresh Produce - Vegetables Stores Simply Better Handmade Barrel Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Unprepared: Lidl Deluxe Rooster Aged Feta & Roasted Vegetable Quiche Irish Duck Rilette Pâté Potatoes - Meade Potato Company Ready Meals: Bombay Pantry Goan Delicatessen Goods - Pre-cooked Game: Lidl Deluxe Confit Duck Legs - Vegan Curry Meats: Lidl Deluxe Irish Carved Topside Silver Hill Foods Relishes and Chutneys: Beetroot Relish Beef - O'Brien Fine Foods Hot Beverages - Coffee: Tesco Finest - Moran's Megajam Desserts and Puddings: Lidl Deluxe Ristretto Coffee Capsules Rib Eye Beef Steaks: Aldi Specially Sticky Toffee Pudding Hot Beverages - Tea: Dunnes Stores Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Irish Black Eggs: Lidl Deluxe 6 Corn Fed Free Range Gold Blend Tea Angus Rib Eye Steak - ABP Cahir Eggs Omega 3 Enriched - Connolly's Ice Cream: Tesco Finest Raspberry & Seasonal Occasions - BBQ: Tesco Fire Organic Eggs Pomegranate Lollies Pit Kentucky Style Beef Brisket Fillet Beef Steaks: Aldi Specially Jams and Sweet Spreads: Dunnes Seasonal Occasions - Easter: Dunnes Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steaks Stores Simply Better Limited Edition Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade - ABP Cahir Pure Raw Irish Honey Single Origin Colombian Milk Chocolate Fish - Fresh: Carlingford Oysters - Lamb: Dunnes Stores Irish Lamb Egg Carlingford Oyster Company Rosemary & Garlic Tomahawks Sirloin Beef Steaks: Lidl Irish Sirloin Fish - Frozen: Donegal Catch 2 Craft Meal Accompaniments: Tesco Meals Steak with Garlic Butter - Liffey Meats Cider Battered Atlantic Haddock Fillets - Made Easy Sweet Potato Mash Snacks - Savoury: Lidl Alesto Brazil Green Isle Foods Oils and Vinegars: Amodeo Intense Nuts Fish - Prepared: Dunnes Stores Balsamic Reduction Snacks - Sweet: Keogh's Honey and Sea Fishmonger Meals - Soya & Plum Tuna Other Cuts - Beef Steaks: Salt Aged Salt Popcorn Steaks Sharing Striploin Steak - James Whelan Soups: Le Skinny Chef Leek & Nettle Fish - Smoked: Tesco Peppered Smoked Butchers Soup Mackerel Fillets Pasta, Rice & Grains: Dunnes Stores Store Cupboard Items: Dunnes Stores Flavoured Sausages: Loughnane’s Jerk Simply Better Italian Burrata & Nduja Mustard & Maple Dressing Chicken Sausage - Sean Loughnane’s Mezzelune Striploin Beef Steaks: Salt Aged Galway Pizzas: Aldi Specially Selected Spicy Striploin Steak - James Whelan Food To Go: Boots Piri Piri Chicken Pepperoni and Chorizo Pizza Butchers Couscous and Feta Wrap - Deli Lites Pork: Tesco Finest Roast in the Bag Irish Traditional Sausages: Aldi Specially Fresh Produce - Fruit Prepared: Lidl Pork Fillet with a Cranberry, Apricot and Selected Handtied Sausages Meadow Fresh Fresh Cut Fruit Salad - Orange Stuffing wrapped in Dry Cured Value Q: Dunnes Stores My Family Fresh Cut Food Services Streaky Bacon Favourites Caesar Salad Fresh Produce - Fruit Unprepared: Poultry: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Vegetarian/Vegan: Dunnes Stores Tesco Supersweet Yellow Flesh Bronze Butter Basted Turkey Breast Vegetable Curry Nectarines Joint Vegetarian/Vegan - Foodservice: Rich Fresh Produce - Vegetables Prepared: Puddings: Rudd’s Chorizo White Pudding Sauces Vegan Mayonnaise Dunnes Stores Simply Better Soy Ginger - Sean Loughnane’s Galway Yogurts: Dunnes Stores Simply Better & Chilli Asian Style Greens Quiches, Pies and Pasties: Dunnes Irish Made Triple Berry Yogurt

Irish Quality Drinks Awards

Beer and Cider Gold Winner: White Wine Over €12: Armagh Craft Cider Dry - Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Sauternes

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Gold White Wine: White Wine Up to €12: Winner: Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albariño Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne Gin: Sparkling Wine Gold Winner: Listoke 1777 Small Batch Irish Gin - Allini Prosecco Spumante Conegliano - Listoke Distillery Lidl Ireland Boyle's Gin - Aldi Ireland

Red Wine Over €12: Liqueurs: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Chianti Lidl Deluxe Irish Whiskey Liqueur – Classico DOCG Riserva Campomaggio Terra Red Wine Up to €12: Dunnes Stores - La Fabrique a vin Vodka: Alicante Bouschet IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 - Tesco Finest French Grain Vodka :Winner LGI Wines (Gold)