Bord Bia toasts Jameson's success

INDUSTRY AWARDS:JAMESON WHISKEY was recognised last night for its contribution to exports, which includes selling one billion glasses of the beverage annually.

The Bord Bia Food and Drink Industry Awards honoured eight Irish companies at a ceremony in Dublin.

In spite of challenges, it was “probably the most exciting time ever” to be in the industry, Bord Bia chairman Michael Carey said. He described as “truly remarkable” the increase in Irish food and drink exports at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Irish Distillers received the export award for its Jameson Whiskey product. Minister for Agriculture and Food Simon Coveney praised the “huge marketing commitment” by Irish Distillers of Irish whiskey and welcomed both its double-digit export performance and its promotion of “Irish identity” in over 120 countries.

In the domestic market category, Waterford-based cereal company Flahavan’s was recognised. The company has been milling Irish oats for six generations and has two-thirds of the Irish hot oats brand market.

A branding award was given to Largo foods, which has reinvigorated the Tayto crisp brand since purchasing it in 2006. The creation of a Mr Tayto theme park, a best-selling Mr Tayto “autobiography” and “running” Mr Tayto in the general election were among Largo’s marketing initiatives.

An alternative snack product described as “healthy crisps” received an innovation award. Kale Crunchies are made from kale covered in sunflower seed paste by health food company Natasha’s Living Food, which was established in 2007.

Another young food business Green Saffron won the entrepreneurship award. The company, which specialises in fresh-farm whole spices, was set up in Midleton, Co Cork, in 2007 and sells to more than 80 shops.

A farming firm, which uses an 800kw wind turbine and plans an anaerobic digestion plant to make it energy self-sufficient by 2015, won the sustainability award. Country Crest grows vegetables and produces 80,000 prepared meals a week in north Co Dublin.

A special award was presented to two companies which co-branded their products for the US market. Kerrygold and Cashel Blue took part in the initiative, described as an excellent example of co-operation by Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter.

A special presentation was also made at the ceremony to Irish Timesagriculture correspondent Seán Mac Connell for his chronicling of the Irish food industry over many years.