Culinary awards unveiled

The contribution of producers who are keeping Ireland's traditional culinary heritage alive was marked at this year's EirGrid Euro-Toques Food Awards announced today.

The five winners, selected by the Irish branch of the European Community of Chefs and Cooks, were: Cuinneog country butter from Co Mayo; Glenfin free range duck eggs from Tydavnet, Co Monaghan; Brenda O'Riordan's Love Fish business in Ballycotton, Co Cork; O'Flynn family butchers in Waterford; and Lissadell House and David Langford in Sligo for preserving and reviving many traditional varieties of potatoes, including rare and heritage potatoes.

The annual awards honour food producers or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Irish food.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Ciaran Cuffe said all five winners were promoting distinctive local food traditions and food heritage, which would enhance Ireland's food industry reputation at home and abroad.

Euro-toques Ireland commissioner general Feargal O'Donnell said many foods traditional to Irish culinary heritage had been forgotten in a changing world where convenience was most important.

"The mindset of Irish consumers has altered and we are now increasingly seeking locally sourced, seasonal produce in restaurants and in retail, recognising that we need to get back to basics."