Irish producers were very well represented in the prestigious Great Taste Awards this year. The award, which recognizes the best in fine foods from the UK, Ireland and Europe received more than 10.000 entries, from which just 130 got the highest rating of 3 stars.
Eight Irish products were among the exclusive selection (3 more than in 2014, where only 5 were in the group): Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter; Quinlan’s Smoked Irish Organic Salmon; Quinlan’s Smoked Irish Organic Salmon cured with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt, Java Republic Rwandan, James Whelan Butchers Beef Dripping, Bewley’s Fair Trade Special Blend Tea, Ballyhoura Mountain Mushrooms Cep Oil, and Ballyhoura Mountain Mushrooms Mushroom Vinegar.
The first three of that list (Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter; Quinlan’s Smoked Irish Organic Salmon; Quinlan’s Smoked Irish Organic Salmon cured with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt) were also part of the Top 50 participants.
The judging panel included a mix of TV personalities and buyers from high end retailers.
The 130 three-star holders will now compite for the regional Golden Fork awards where one of them will be named the Supreme Champion. This competition will be held in London on September 7th.