This article is from page 35 of the 2012-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
CLARE organic food producers were recognised as being the very best in Ireland over the weekend with the Burren Smokehouse and St Tola’s goats cheese stealing the show at the National Organic Awards.
The Burren Smokehouse won the award for Ireland’s Best Organic Prepared Food for their smoked Irish salmon, while Inagh Farmhouse Cheese won second place and a “highly commended award” in the Organic Dairy Products section for St Tola Organic Goat Cheese Log.
Siobhán Ní Ghairbhith of Inagh Farmhouse Cheese was overjoyed with this year’s showing.
“We thrilled to receive this award. The Organic Dairy section is a growing market in Ireland with more and more excellent products becoming available to customers in supermarkets and online,” she said.
“There is a great deal more competition so we are delighted that we have held our own this year. It’s a great boost for all the team back in Inagh and reflects that hard work and high standards of the whole company.
“It is great that organic products are getting the recognition that they deserve and we thank Bord Bia for supporting organics in such trying economic times.”
The judging panel chaired by Ennis organic expert, Dr Oliver Moore, who was impressed by Clare’s strong showing in the competition.
“There was a real emphasis on hon- est, very good quality, affordable foods – foods for everyone and for everyday,” he said.
“What also heartened the judges was how some companies were clearly listening to feedback and improving their packaging as well as their product ranges, year on year.”