Connacht Gold softer butter achieves gold star status for third year running

Connacht Gold has been awarded the highest accolade of three stars for its softer butter at the UK and Ireland Great Taste Awards 2012.

For the third year in a row Connacht Gold butter achieved gold star status, with the butter being among the top 1% of products to achieve the coveted three star award in this year’s competition.

Out of almost 9,000 food products entered by 1,800 companies, just 123 products were awarded three stars — the definition of “an exquisite food that has that indefinable something extra”.

Known as the oscars of the food world, the Great Taste Awards saw 350 expert judges blind-taste some of the best products on offer across Britain and Ireland over an intense 45- day period.

Before gold-star status is awarded to foods, a minimum of 12 experts must taste, discuss and agree on the most outstanding products.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in London in early September.

Announcing the award, the judges noted the creamy qualities of the soft butter and described it as: “A large rustic block of creamy- looking butter; creamy on the palate with a salt back note. Tastes fresh and melts well, with no greasiness on the palate.”

General manager of the Connacht Gold Consumer Foods Business, Eoghan Sweeney said: “We are thrilled to have achieved such high recognition for our butter in such a prestigious competition.

“It is testament to the quality of milk from our suppliers and the dedication of employees in consistently churning and packing a product of internationally recognised quality and taste.”

“Softer Butter was launched on the market in 2007 and has firmly established itself as a favourite in Irish households.

“Everyone in Connacht Gold is very proud of this tremendous achievement,” added Mr Sweeney.