National Organic Awards winners revealed
Bord Bia has revealed the winners of the National Organic Awards, which included an award for the first-ever Irish Organic Sector Champion.
Quality manager with The Organic Trust, Colin Keogh, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the new award which was announced at a ceremony at the Bord Bia Global Hub, Dublin today (Thursday, October 17).
The accolade recognised his achievements as a trailblazer for the Irish organic sector and reflected his dedication to the industry.
The National Organic Awards, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country.
A total of seven awards were presented including the ‘New & Innovative Award’ which went to Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms from Offaly, and the ‘Business in the Community Award’ which was presented to Limerick-based social enterprise The Urban Co-op.
Commenting on the winning producers, Minister of State, Pippa Hackett, said: "It’s a pleasure to be here today at the National Organic Awards, and to see the quality, innovation and creativity happening within the organic sector in Ireland.
"Today’s award-winners represent the very best of the high standard of organic food and drink production that this country has to offer.
"From my own experience of organic farming, I know the amount of work that goes into producing high quality organic produce but also how rewarding it is, and I want to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted for playing an important role in helping the Irish organic sector to thrive.
"Bord Bia plays a vital role in delivering market access for our premium organic product. I’m hugely grateful for their commitment and am looking forward to their increasing investment in the organic sector," the minister added.
Organic Sector manager at Bord Bia, Emmet Doyle said: "The quality of submissions for this year's National Organic Awards was exceptionally high, and this is evident in the success of today's winners.
"They are proof that the organic sector in Ireland is thriving, and the dedication and hard work of our producers is key to this success.
"The National Organic Awards are a fantastic way of recognising this hard work and highlights our appreciation for the pioneers working within this sector.”
The winners were selected from a shortlist of 16 Irish companies, competing across seven categories, which were judged by a panel of industry experts.
As industry champions, they will receive a one-to-one session with Bord Bia’s Client Capability team, who will help develop a bespoke package of supports to meet individual company needs up to the value of €5,000.
- The Irish Organic Champion 2024: The overall winner of the award is Colin Keogh, from The Organic Trust (accepted on his behalf by Stephen Connolly, Chief Executive Officer, The Organic Trust), with a special recognition for the work of Sean McGloin from the National Organic Training Skillnet;
- New & Innovative Award: Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms, Co. Offaly for their Shiitake and White Beach offering;
- Business in Community Award: The Urban Co-Op, Co. Limerick;
- Best Irish Organic Product Award: Clare-based Burren Smokehouse Ltd., for the Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon;
- Direct to Consumer Award: Galway’s Green Earth Organics for their 100% Irish Farm Box;
- Best Irish Organic Export Product Award: Flahavan’s Organic Porridge;
- Best Irish Organic Private Label Product Award: Wexford-based Irish Country Meats, in association with Dunnes Stores, for their Organic Irish lamb centre loin chops.
Judging took place at the National Organic Food Fair in Merrion Square, Dublin, on Saturday, August 31.
The lineup of judges included chef Clodagh McKenna, food writer Suzanne Campbell, chef Janine Kennedy, food consultant Annie Dunne, and retail expert John McDonagh.
