The awards ceremony honoured the most progressive and ambitious businesses in Ireland’s thriving food and drink industry. The winners encompassed some of Ireland’s best-known brands, family businesses and export successes. They stretched across a range of categories, including sustainability, branding and innovation.

Winners on the day included Diageo, Butlers Chocolates, The Happy Pear, Gallagher’s Bakery, Silver Hill Farm, Dawn Meats, Kerry Foods, Monaghan Mushrooms and Pip and Pear.

Industry award winner

Denis O’Riordan was the first winner of the Industry Champion Award, which aims to recognise the contribution of a committed individual ‘who has worked to develop the food and drink industry in Ireland at an international level’. The Kerry Group man is recognised as being the leading force behind the international success of Cheestrings, which is now available to some 350 million people across Europe.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed said that the awards give a chance to acknowledge the companies which have led the way for the Irish food and drink industry.

“Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Awards provide us with an opportunity to acknowledge the trailblazers in the Irish food and drink industry, who have proven their commitment and ambition to drive the sector forward,” the minister said.

“These companies have demonstrated excellence and innovation in their use of marketing principles and consumer insight, and provide an example of best practice which new and emerging businesses can aspire to.” CL