A number of Irish producers were award winners at the inaugural Irish Speciality and Fine Food Fair at the Food and Hospitality Ireland Show 2015 (formerly SHOP) at Citywest, Dublin from 16th to 17th September. This new addition to the Food and Hospitality Show is organised in conjuction with the Speciality and Fine Food Fair London, which takes place annually in Olympia in early September with over 700 exhibitors and is considered the key event for buyers and sellers of regional and speciality food and drink in the UK.
Pat Whelan’s Beef Dripping was awarded the Great Taste Supreme Champion at the 2015 London show. Other winners included The Burren Smokehouse, Bewleys, Java Republic and Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter.
Over 120 companies participated at the Irish event, with food taking a centre stage featuring a partnership with the Guild of Fine Foods and a Great Taste Pavillion. The show incorporated a Spotlight Stage featuring industry experts from the retail and hospitality sectors.
The Fair also heralded developments in the growing health and nutrition and free from sectors, providing an opportunity for companies such as Leaves to showcase their innovative high protein gluten free pasta made with buckwheat and chickpeas, and Solaris to launch their range of themed organic teas developed for the health and wellness hospitality sector. Other on trend products included Maria Lucia Bakes Granola which is gluten, wheat and dairy free, and Crossogue Preserves sugar free marmalade spread.
Source: BordBia – Irish Winners at Speciality and Fine Food Fair
