Buttering up the judges: Tasty fare is top of the Blas

Former chef and publican, Graham Canning, who saw his pub business in Dublin go to the wall during the Celtic Tiger has, along with his wife and business partner Bernie Canning, received the Supreme Champion accolade at the Blas na hÉireann awards at the Dingle Food Festival.

Having picked up the Best in Farmers’ Market award for Meath on Friday for their range of compound butters, the Meath-based Blast & Wilde then took gold (Wild Irish Herb & Roast Garlic Pesto Butter), silver (Black Olive & Sundried Tomato Tapenade), and bronze (Zesty Lime, Chilli & Coriander) in the dairy category before being announced as Overall Supreme Champions 2014 for best new product.

“I suppose it’s a story of chef meets farmer and love blossoms,” said a delighted Graham.