The Irish Food Quality Awards are open to all Irish retailers, producers and manufacturers across the country. Maria said winning has given her small business a major boost of confidence.

“It will give retailers and consumers the motivation to give our granola a try, and I feel it will really help to grow our business,” she said.

The hand-baked cereal is gluten, wheat and dairy-free, and comes in a wide range of flavours – for example, cashew, almond and cinnamon, or apricot and walnut with a hint of treacle.

The granolas are made with jumbo gluten-free oats, packed full of seeds and nuts, and infused with a little honey or treacle, natural vanilla and spices. They are gently baked in small batches, to help toast the seeds and give them that delicate crunch.

Maria set up her business in 2013 when she was inspired to make a special breakfast for a coeliac friend.

The granola range is stocked in 200 SuperValus nationwide, various health stores and specialist food shops, and is also available to buy online at www.marialuciabakes.com, costing €5.99.