Food NI Members Win At Blas na hEireann
Food NI members took home clutches of awards from the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards in Dingle, Co. Kerry at the weekend.
Susie Hamilton Stubber from Burren Balsamics was named Best Artisan for her Blackberry and Thyme-infused vinegar. She also received Best in Armagh and the inaugural Shane McArdle Best in Ulster Award.
Lacada Brewery Co-Op from Portrush in Antrim won the prestigious Best New Product prize and a Gold award for their Devil’s Washtub Ale as well as Silver and Bronze for their Utopian and Whiskey Barrel Aged Stouts.
Claire Kelly from Passion Preserved won Gold for her Kasundi Pickle and picked up a E5000 bursary from Shelf Life magazine with Corndale Farm’s Alastair Crown coming away with Gold for his fennel salami and Silver for chorizo and was also named Best in Derry producer. 
There were also Golds for Hannan Meats in Moira for Himalayan Salt–Aged Steak Striploin, Sauce Works’ French Dressing, Crossgar; Erin Grove Preserves Classic Lemon Curd, Enniskillen; Morelli’s Luxury Strawberry Frozen Yoghurt, Portrush; White’s Speedicook Oats’ Aldi Kavanaghs Organic Porridge Oats, Tandragee; Armagh Cider Company’s Spiced Apple Juice, Portadown and Silver for their Doyles Autumn Berry Cider.
Gold Awards were also given for Brambleberry Jam’s Sea Salted Caramel Sauce, Lisburn, Hercules Brewing Company’s Yardsman Lager and Punjana Ltd’s Thompson’s Irish Breakfast Tea, Belfast.
Moy Park’s Dunnes Stores Smokey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Craigavon took home a Silver Award. Long Meadow Cider from Portadown took Bronze for their Medium Cider as did their Blossom Burst blend.
Ballyriff Buffalo Farm, Magherafelt gained a Silver award for its Buffalo Burgers. There were also Silvers for Clandeboye Estate for Aldi’s Specially Selected Authentically Strained Greek Style Yoghurt with Mandarin and Lime.
There were Bronze Awards for Ballinteer Quail Farm Meat, Coleraine, Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, Limavady, Papas Mineral Company’s Classic Peppermint Cordial, Bangor, Duvillaun Fine Foods’ Sea Salt, Waringstown, Red Dog Artisan Foods’ Spanish Lemon Infused Sea Salt, Kilkeel, Glastry Farm’s Raspberry Ruffle Sorbet, Kircubbin and Genesis Crafty from Magherafelt’s Super Valu and Centra Tea Brack.
Harnett’s Oils were Best in Farmers Market for Down and Clandeboye Yoghurt won Best in Down.
Quinns Gelato won Best in Tyrone and Kennedy Bacon won Best in Farmers Market for Tyrone. Armagh Cider Company also won Best in Armagh. Cavanagh Free Range Eggs from Fermanagh won a Gold Chef’s Larder Award. Springmount Farm Eggs took a Joint Silver Chef’s Larder with Glenballyeamon Eggs. Carol’s Stock Market won a Chef’s Choice Award for her Chicken Stock.
