Spotlight on food producers

ONCE AGAIN recently the spotlight was turned on independent, grass-roots food producers as the winners of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards 2011 were unveiled.

The awards highlight the vital work of small, independent Irish food producers, at a time when supporting home-grown industry is of the utmost importance.

Those awarded for standards of excellence and for their exceptional contribution to Ireland’s reputation as a top food producing country were: Janet Drew of Country Fayre in Co Wicklow for her delicious Beetroot Blush; Brian and Lindy O’Hara of Coopershill House in Co Sligo for Irish Venison; Pat O’Neill from Co Wexford for Dry Cured Rashers, Bacon and Ham and a special Environmental Award went to oatmeal King John Flahavan of Flahavan’s in Co Waterford.