Boyne Valley cleans up at Blás Awards
IT’S been more than a bountiful Blás for Boyne Valley Flavour’s producers, with a dozen winning awards for over 20 products.
In what has been an incredibly difficult year for most businesses, this is a real testament to the talent and passion of the producers in the Boyne Valley region who continue to put the Boyne Valley on the map.
Taking prizes away were producers from right across counties Louth and Meath, who have all continued to strive to ensure their products are available to the public.
From Co Louth, winners were: DRUMMOND House Garlic
Located in Baltray County Louth, this small company was awarded a Chef ’s Larder award for their Irish Elephant Garlic. Since Marita and Peter began their garlic enterprise in 2012, they have experimented and innovated to develop in the largest producer of garlic in Ireland and they are now embarking on a similar journey with asparagus.Their unique heritage garlic varieties are much loved by chefs around Ireland and are a must have in your kitchen.
ORIEL Sea Salt
Founded by John Delany & Brian Fitzpatrick, Oriel Sea Salt Company based out of Port Oriel in Clogherhead won Silver for their Guinness Smoked Sea Salt and Bronze for their Roe & Co Whiskey Smoked Salt again following up from success at the Great Taste awards.
MCENTEE’S Irish Tea
This Ardee-based company is continuing their winning streak by taking Gold for their Irish Afternoon Tea. McEntee’s Fine Teas is a family business
run by married couple, Donal and Helen McEntee, carefully blending their tea in Co. Louth.
CARLINGFORD Oyster Company
Carlingford Oysters was established in 1974, by Peter Louet Feisser. It is currently owned and managed by his son Kian and daughter in law Mary. They took Gold for their Louis Feisser oyster and Silver for their Carlingford Oyster and also winning Best in County Louth.
HOGAN’S Farm
Hogan’s Farms based outside Kells in County Meath once more enjoyed success at Blas winning a Gold for their Simply Better Bronze Turkey Crown with Cranberry, Apricot and Clementine Stuffing and Silver for their Simply Better Bronze Butter Basted Turkey Breast Joint.
CLARKES Fresh Fruit
Based in Stamullen County Meath Clarke’s are famous for their soft fruit and took home
Bronze for their Strawberry Jam. Clarke’s are one of the largest suppliers of fresh fruit to the Irish grocery market.
A Bit On The Side
Meath company A Bit on the Side took home Gold for their Pontack Jelly and Silver for their Red Jalopeno Jelly. At A Bit on the Side they have taken jelly to a whole new level with their hand-made, all natural Gourmet Savoury Jellies.
NEWGRANGE Gold
Located in the heart of the Boyne Valley just outside Slane in County Meath Newgrange Gold won Silver for their Lidl Delux Irish Rapeseed Infused with Garlic and Bronze for their Lidl Delux Irish Rapeseed Oil infused with Garlic Herbs.
COOLE Swan
Coole Swan scooped silver for their Coole Swan cream liqueur. Coole Swan is an exquisite mix of full single-malt Irish whiskey, real white Belgian chocolate and fresh dairy cream. McCormack
Family Farms
McCormack Family Farms won two Chef ’s Larder Awards for their Family Pack Salad and Living Pea Shoots. McCormack Farm’s story starts over 40 years ago and have continued to grow superb quality Irish produce from their base in Dunsany County Meath.
WHAT’S For Pudding
This Meath based business won Gold for their Belgian Chocolate Sauce, Silver for their Sea Salt Toffee Sauce and Silver for their Sticky Toffee Pudding Twin Pack as well as being awarded Best in County Meath.
KILLUA Castle
Killua Castle enjoyed great success at this year’s Blas when they were awarded Gold for their Signature Venison Sausages, Silver for their Venison Steaks and Bronze for their Venison Burger with mushroom & smoked cheese.
To see the full list of winners, visit https://www.irishfoodawards.com.