Clarke’s the pick of the bunch for their strawberry jam!
IT’S been a bumper crop in many ways this year for Clarke’s Fresh Fruit from Stamullen, who have just won a bronze medal at the 2020 Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards for its strawberry jam. THE family farm, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, was one of ten Co Meath food suppliers nominated for the prestigious national awards.
‘We were delighted when we heard that we had been nominated and even more thrilled to win the bronze medal after such a challenging year,’ said Master Strawberry Grower Pat Clarke, owner and director of Clarke’s Fresh Fruit (below).
‘In 2018, we won two silver medals at the Blas awards for our raspberry jam and strawberry jam with no added sugar, and we congratulate all our fellow nominees and winners, and everyone whose hard work was recognised by the judges.’
Their goal, as always, is the ongoing provision of wholesome quality fruit.
‘Our produce is Bord Bia Quality Assured through strict auditing and we are proud members of their Origin Green sustainability programme, adds Pat. ‘ The reputable firm Folláin in Macroom, Co Cork have been making our strawberry, raspberry and blackberry jams for almost a decade, and only from wholesome fruit grown on the family farm.’
Now in its 13th year, the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards is the biggest blind tasting competition for quality Irish produce in Ireland.
More than 2,500 products were entered into the 2020 competition in a broad range of food and drink categories.
Clarke’s strawberries are all harvested with a unique picking method that preserves the integrity and freshness of the fruit.
In 2010, Clarke’s picked up a Bord Bia Grower of the Year award and in 2000, won an FBD Family Farm of the Millennium Award which honoured farms committed to safe, enterprising and efficient practices.
They employ more than 170 people and is one of the largest suppliers of fresh fruit to the Irish grocery market, with their produce appearing on the shelves of most major retailers nationwide