Alex (13) scoops top prize at All-Ireland Farmer’s Market
THE future certainly looks bright for food production in the Enniscorthy area after a local 13 year-old collected the big prize for Best Artisan Food Producer at this year’s All Ireland Farmer’s Market.
Alex Fortune from Fortune’s Fruit & Veg in Ballyhogue managed to see off competition from all over Ireland to take the trophy after a wonderful day in Abbey Square. He certainly impressed the judges with his vast array of knowledge of the trade and Mairead Laverty of the Irish Farmer’s Journal described him as a ‘born salesman’ pointing towards his infectious enthusiasm and his great manner when dealing with customers.
A student of Enniscorthy CBS, Alex was delighted to collect the trophy and a cheque for €2,000 from Chairman of the Irish Farmer’s Market, Pat Roche and he also received the heartfelt congratulations of Minister Paul Kehoe and District Chairman Cllr Keith Doyle, both of whom commented that it was great to see someone so young win the prize.
The produce grown at the Fortunes’ farm is available from Pettitt’s supermarkets across the county as well as at Farmer’s Market’s and the judges were hopeful that the win might just spur Alex onto even bigger things in the future.
The event saw big crowds descend on Abbey Square in the sunshine and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day, with people arriving from right across the country, something which was forecast to have a positive impact on businesses in the town.
While Alex walked away with the trophy, The Skinny Chef from Portlaoise came second with Birds and Teas from Wicklow in third place.