Loughgall cider making family toasts success in all-Ireland awards
Armagh’s Long Meadow Cider, one of Ireland’s leading and most successful
producers of award-winning ciders, apple juice and apple cider vinegar, has won a
gold medal in Ireland’s prestigious Family Business Awards 2024.
The producer, in addition, was named Drinks Producer of the Year 2024 in the
coveted Good Food Ireland Awards on Monday night, the second major award in a
week.
Based on the McKeever’s extensive family orchard farm at Loughgall, Long Meadow
was the most successful Northern Ireland at the annual awards in Dublin last week.
The small company came out on top in the Best Small Family Business of the Year
2024.
The only other local success in the coveted awards was TS Foods in Castlewellan,
Co Down, winner of a bronze medal in the Family Food and Drink Producer
category.
Long Meadow’s Alanna McKeever says: “This was a huge win for our family. We’re
over the moon to have won a gold medal in the awards! As a third-generation family
business, this recognition is especially meaningful – it celebrates not only our hard
work but the legacy of dedication and passion that’s been poured into Long Meadow
over the years.
“Standing among so many exceptional family businesses was truly inspiring and
humbling. Each of them understands the unique challenges and joys that come with
a family-run venture, and we’re proud to be in such great company.
“To our family, team, and community: we couldn’t have done it without your support,
encouragement, and belief in our mission. Here’s to the next chapter in our family’s
story—one filled with more growth, great cider, and exciting opportunities,” adds
Alanna.
Founded and run by husband and wife team Pat and Catherine McKeever with son
Peter and daughter Alanna on the family farm, Long Meadow Cider has diversified
into cider and juice processing of their own apples in 2012. The company has since
won UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards for premium quality and taste.
