Agribusiness Awards 2017: finalists prepare for awards ceremony

Since they launched in 2015, the Agribusiness Awards have celebrated and recognised the most innovative organisations and individuals in the agricultural indistry. The event identifies those companies that contribute to Ireland's status as a global leader in the agribusiness sector.

The black-tie gala will take place on November 9th in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. Moderated by judging co-ordinator, Karina Pierce, the independent judging panel consists of experts from throughout the agribusiness sector.

“It’s great to once again be involved in the Agribusiness Awards. This year sees an increased number of entrants in many categories, highlighting the range and quality of the agribusinesses we have in Ireland. These companies are making a significant contribution to the sustainability, innovation and competitiveness of the Irish economy and the Agribusiness Awards is a means of acknowledging their contribution,” said  Pierce, BAgrSc, PhD, lecturer in dairy production at the School of Agriculture and Food Science in UCD.

Jill Robinson is chief executive at Emydex, a company that has been involved with the Agribusiness Awards since they first began. She reflects on the importance of such an event for the industry. “We are delighted to be Platinum Sponsor for what is now the key industry event in the Agribusiness calendar. It is the only event running in Ireland that brings all food producers together under one roof, including many Emydex customers. We see it as important to recognise the hard work and commitment by all involved in the Agribusiness sector. It is a great opportunity to network with a wide audience of key individuals within the Agribusiness Industry’” she said.

Ahead of the awards Deirdre O'Shea, executive director of Agri Aware, spoke about how the organisation is looking forward to the big night, "We think it's fantastic we have been shortlisted for two awards at this year's event. Our team are always excited to share the news of an award with our industry patrons and being shortlisted for these awards recognises Agri Aware's efforts over the past 20 years in communicating the importance of the Irish agri-food industry to students across Ireland,"  she explained.

[ Agribusiness Awards website ]

The complete shortlist is as follows.

Agribusiness of the Year
Sponsored by Emydex 
Winner will be revealed on the night.

Agribusiness Leader 2017
Sponsored by GS1 
Winner will be revealed on the night.

Agribusiness Rising Star 2017
Shane Ganley - That's Farming Media
Genevieve Gleeson - Woof Stuff

Agribusiness of the Year - Cattle & Beef
Sponsored by Butchery Excellence International
ABP Food Group
Clonakilty Food Co.
Ribworld

Agribusiness of the Year - Pigs & Pigmeat
Clonakilty Food Co.
Ribworld

Agribusiness of the Year - Forestry
Euroforest Ireland Timber
Green Belt

Agribusiness of the Year - Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
Kelly Fresh Foods
McCormack Farms 
Meade Potato Company

Agribusiness of the Year - Food or Beverage Producer
Sponsored by ALS Labelling Solutions 
Carbery Group
Kelly Fresh Foods
Kilmullen Farm
Manor Farm
Ribworld
Woof Stuff

Agribusiness of the Year - Prepared Foods
Clonakilty Food Co. 
Meade Potato Company
Woof Stuff

Agribusiness of the Year - Emerging
Herdwatch
Woof Stuff

Excellence in the Provision of Professional Services
IFAC Accountants 
Montgomery Food International
Organic Trust

Best Use of Technology
Sponsored by Emydex 
Fluidised Bed Combustion - BHSL Hydro 
MilkedIn - CORE Technology
The EscoPod - ABP Food Group

Innovation in Agribusiness
BHSL Hydro
Clonakilty Blackpudding Sausages - Clonakilty Food Co.
Herdwatch
Irish Hampshire Pork Project - Oliver Carty
The SmartBunkerTM - Greenans Products

Excellence in Sustainability
ABP Food Group
Bio-Friendly
Carbery Group
Dawn Meats
Fluidised Bed Combustion - BHSL Hydro
Meade Potato Company
Origin Green - Clonakilty Food Co.
Sam Dennigan and Company

Excellence in Education & Training
Butchery Excellence International - Montgomery Food International
Engage, Educate, Empower - AgriKids
Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating & Growing Initiative - Agri Aware
Once Upon A Farm - Agri Aware

Excellence in Health & Safety
Engage, Educate, Empower - AgriKids
Food Safety Week - Dawn Meats
Once Upon A Farm - Agri Aware