12 March 2010, 17:42 PM
  • Independent retailers across the country will be promoting their Irish produce to celebrate St Patrick's Day (17th March) this week, in a bid to cash in on a lucrative opportunity

Beckett’s Farm Shop in Wythall is promoting five of its Irish cheeses to celebrate the holiday and boost the profile of the country’s artisan cheesemakers.

“English cheese is so popular with customers that Irish producers often get forgotten. The stories behind our chosen cheeses are so interesting and inspirational, they deserve to be shouted about,” said Holly Beckett, co-owner.

Products on offer include Cashel Blue, Coolea, St Killian, Gubbeen Farmhouse and Ardrahan.

“Customers can get bored with the usual tastings and promotions, so celebrating fun holidays like St Patrick’s Day is a great way to keep people interested and attract new business,” she adds.

The shop’s café will also be offering a special Dubliner breakfast and Irish cupcakes.

Ainsty Farm Shop in Green Hammerton is marking the holiday by organising a charity cooking demonstration with ‘Show Off Chef’ Daniel Cartwright.

Mr Cartwright will be cooking a selection of Irish delicacies for farm shop customers at the local Rufforth Village Institute, with all proceeds going to St Leonard’s Hospice in York.

“Combining a celebration of a popular holiday like St Patrick’s Day with a charity fundraiser is a win win for us. Not only does it raise money for a worthy cause, it also ups our profile,” said Lily Beaton, co-owner. 

“The support we’ve received from the local community has been fantastic so far. We’ve sold loads of tickets and hope to sell out by Wednesday,” she added.

The shop is expecting to sell 50 tickets at £12 each.