Luxury Food Magazine Develops Taste For Irish Black Butter
Irish Black Butter has been named Artisan Food Product in Northern Ireland by the high-end LUX Life magazine in Britain.
The artisan producer, which is based at Portrush in country Antrim and is owned by local businessman Alastair Bell, has won widespread support for its unique Bramley apple-based savoury spread, an original product that’s now on sale throughout the UK, Republic of Ireland and, most recently, the US.
Mr Bell, commenting on the latest award for the unique spread, says: “This recognition came as a complete but very pleasant surprise. it’s a marvellous accolade for Irish Black Butter at a most challenging time for all small food producers and great profile in awards for companies from all over the world.
“LUXLife is a very interesting and quality conscious magazine that’s aimed at people who enjoy the finer things of life and especially “the best food products available”. It’s tremendously encouraging to be included within such a sharp focus and by a panel of expert judges in what was an exacting process,” he adds.
The LUXLife Food & Drink Awards was created to “commend those who go above and beyond for their customers and/or consumers to ensure that their appetites are catered for, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak which has seen many businesses in the food and drink industry face unprecedented challenges over the past few months”.
Commenting on the winners of this year’s awards programme, Coordinator Katherine Benton says: “It’s been a difficult year for the hospitality and food and drink industries. With that, I offer my sincere congratulations to all of those recognised. I hope you have a better, and thriving year ahead.”
The Food & Drink Awards commend businesses who prove themselves to be innovators in one of the world’s most competitive industries by bringing fresh, exciting ideas forward, and celebrate the outstanding achievements made by those looking to solidify their reputation as industry leaders.
All participants were judged purely on merit and only the most deserving are acknowledged.
Final judgement is based on various criteria such as: business performance, longevity, business growth (either sustained or rapid) and any significant innovations or feedback. The magazine spans “the highest net worth individuals from around the world” and major brands.
The awards were set up to showcase “the best of the best, so readers can rest assured that you are at the very cutting edge of the latest luxury trends and high-end developments.”
Irish Black Butter was established in 2017 by Mr Bell to create a distinctive Northern Ireland savoury spread from Armagh Bramley apples, which have EU protected status, with treacle, spices and brandy. The spread was a three-star Great Taste Award winner in 2019. The spread has also won Blas na hEireann Irish National Food awards.
