Irish food producers have cleaned up at this year’s Great Taste Awards — the world’s largest blind-tasted food awards — with local suppliers for the likes of Aldi and SuperValu going down a treat with a judging panel comprising of leading chefs and food critics.

Shoppers made a beeline for retailers Aldi yesterday as Holy Communion dresses went on sale for just €24.99.

Aldi are the latest of the chains venturing into the communion market with €25 dresses that make the occasion more budget-friendly.

Discount retailer Aldi is to stock its own range of First Communion dresses.

Aldi has announced that it will be selling a €19.99 bottle of champagne this Christmas that international wine experts rated better than some of the world’s most renowned champagnes that cost up to 10 times more.