Food firms taste award victory

Five indigenous food companies have been recognised in this year's food awards presented by the Irish Food Writers' Guild in Dublin this afternoon.

The winning companies included Moonshine Dairy Farm in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, for its organic milk, Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese in Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny for its sheep's cheese and Kettyle Irish Foods in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh for its free range chickens.

Omega Beef Direct in Clonmel, Co Tipperary won the environmental award for its sustainable farming and production methods. The guild also made a Lifetime Achievement Award to fishmonger Nicky McLoughlin of Nicky's Plaice in Howth.

This is the 16th year of the awards, which seek to promote the highest quality of produce, craftsmanship and dedication to Irish food. The guild's chairwoman, Orla Broderick, said food producers could not enter for an award and companies did not know they were being considered for an award until the judging was complete.

"Our criteria is strict but straightforward - the products, traditional or innovative, must be produced in Ireland and the main ingredients must be home produced. We are really thrilled with the calibre of this year's winners and hope the accolade will contribute somewhat to their long-term success."