Organic Raw Milk, Stoneground Chocolate and Cabrito win at Balmoral Show
Organic Raw Milk from Weir’s Farm in Tandragee, Co. Armagh, NearyNogs Artisan Chocolate from Flurrybridge in Co. Armagh and Broughgammon Farm, which is based in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, tickled the taste buds of a panel of expert judges at this year’s Food NI Awards at Balmoral Show.
The awards, organised by Food NI, were presented at the opening day of the show, which features over 100 food and drink producers showcasing their products in the NI Food Pavilion, now one of the most popular attractions at the event.
The judging panel, chaired by Charles Campion, MasterChef judge, and comprising experienced food writers and food stylists Xanthe Clay, Lucas Hollweg and Jeremy Lee, were impressed by the “outstandingly fresh and rich taste” of the organic raw milk from Weir’s farm, a business owned by husband and wife team Deane and Kerrie Weir.
Weir’s Organic Raw Milk was part of the Food Heartland stand arranged by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council, and was awarded ‘Best Food and Drink Product’ in the pavilion.
Charles Campion, a food writer for the evening standard, said: “Weir’s Organic Raw Milk was a standout winner in this category. The taste was exceptional. We were also hugely impressed by the couple’s enthusiastic presentation and their friendly interaction with visitors. Being able to sell products professionally is an important skill especially for a smaller producer.”
The Weirs run a 70 acre -organic farm in the Armagh town and source milk from their herd of British Friesian cattle. They sell milk direct from the farm and also run a delivery service to customers. They began selling organic raw milk three years ago.
Kerrie Weir, commenting on the award, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved this recognition in what is our first presentation within the NI Food Pavilion. The comments from the judges about the taste and freshness of our raw milk are brilliant and a marvellous boost for our small business.”
The judges awarded the ‘Best Artisan Product’ to Shane Neary, who owns NearyNogs with wife Dorothy and specialises in producing Northern Ireland’s only handmade bean to bar chocolate at their small processing unit in Flurrybridge. The artisan business sources cocoa beans from single estate growers.
Lucas Hollweg, a food writer for the Times and Sunday Times, presenting the award to Shane Neary, said: “This is an impressive and genuine artisan enterprise that has a great story to tell, some superb chocolate and a tremendous commitment to growing the business steadily to ensure long-term sustainability. This is how artisan chocolate should taste.”
The ‘Best Stand Award’ was won by Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, a specialist in artisan cabrito and rose veal meats.
Xanthe Clay, Daily Telegraph food writer, giving the award to Charlie Cole, who runs the small Broughgammon Farm with wife, Becky, and other family members, said: “I’ve tasted goat in many parts of the world and Broughgammon ranks among the best. The stand was dynamic and highly informative about cabrito and veal.
“It was great to see how they interacted with visitors, cooking cabrito and veal and explaining the benefits of the meats, especially in terms of taste, to visitors. It’s always good to see food being cooked for sampling. I am sure they made a great many convents to cabrito, a nutritious meat enjoyed in many parts of the world, at Balmoral. They were obvious winners because of the energy of their presentation, their strong branding and, above all, the outstanding flavours of their meats.”
The judges also commended Krazi Baker of Dromore, Co. Down, Lough Neagh Eels, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, Peppup Sauces, Portaferry, Co. Down and Heatherlea Bakery, Bangor, Co. Down for the quality of their products. The judges were also impressed by the community focus and engagement of Clearer Water, Larne, Co. Antrim.
Sharon Machla, Food NI, added: “It’s tremendously encouraging to see so many smaller businesses recognised in this year’s awards. And it’s significant that two of the winners are from farm-based enterprises, demonstrating the hugely important link between farming and food. There’s tremendous dynamic and energy within the Food Pavilion, which indicates the strength of our most important industry.”
