The 2021 accolades of the prestigious Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards were announced in a virtual ceremony that took place on Tuesday 23 November 2021.
The event was attended by the food industry’s key players including the finalist retailers, wholesalers, foodservice, own label and small producers eager to find out if their products had been awarded a prestigious badge of excellence.
During an extremely rigorous judging process, the independent judging panel of respected food and drink experts covered innovation, taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients, provenance, packaging, presentation, and price point while putting each entry through its paces to produce the impressive list of results.
This year’s winners include Lidl, who picked up the Retailer of the Year sponsored by Dairymaid, for an exceptional performance across all the food and drink categories. Finnebrogue Artisan, from Co. Down, won Product of the Year for their Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon; Aldi’s Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey from Sazerac Ireland was crowned Drink Product of the Year, while Aldi also received the Own Label of the Year Award for its Specially Selected Range.
Meanwhile, the Foodservice Product of the Year went to Meath’s own Meade Farm Group’s Potato Starch, and the Supplier of the Year Award was given to Monaghan based premium duck producer Silver Hill Duck. The Good Choice Product of the Year was awarded to Feighery’s Farm Irish Beetroot Juice from Offaly.
This year’s Small Producer Award, sponsored by Dunnes Stores Simply Better, gives small producers the opportunity to launch a product within the Simply Better Range. The award went to two exceptional products: Drummond House Garlic Scape Sauce from Louth, and Cork based Sage Restaurant Buttermilk Ranch.
The judges were incredibly impressed with the quality of 2021 finalist products, especially considering the constant challenges presented by the pandemic.
Beckie Dart, Director, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards said, “Although it has not been possible to run our live awards this year, we were delighted to be back with our live judging and product awards, celebrating just some of the incredible people and produce throughout the island of Ireland. Whilst 2021 has continued to bring challenges, we have been astounded by the level of innovation and continued excellence throughout the food and drink sector. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners this year. I look forward to seeing more great products – as well as seeing you in person – in 2022.”
For the full list 2021 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Winners, visit: Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 2021 - 2021 winners (qualityfoodawards.com)
