Glenstal Butter Named Supreme Champion at the Irish Food Awards

Glenstal Irish Creamery Salted Butter, made by Arrabawn Co-op for Glenstal Foods Abington Rectory in Murroe, Co. Limerick, gained the highest score out of more than 2,500 entries in this year’s competition. The butter, which is traditionally churned and wrapped in parchment paper, also won the Best in Munster category.

Gareth Coleman, commercial director of Glenstal Foods said, ““We like to think our butter is one of the creamiest, naturally spreadable and tastiest available. We work in partnership with Arrabawn, who have more than 100 years’ experience in butter-making. They use only the creamiest summer milk from pasture-reared cows.

“Consumers are returning to butter in increasing numbers. It is as close to nature as we can get. There are just two ingredients: cream and a pinch of salt. This resonates positively with today’s health conscious consumer.”

Artie Clifford, Blas na hEireann chairperson said, “It’s back to basics. What are we famous for? Our dairy. I know this product because I buy it. The quality is supreme. It reminds me of the butter I knew as a child.”

Another big winner at this year’s awards was Burren Balsamics’ Blackberry & Thyme Vinegar, coming first in the Best Artisan category, as well as taking the Best in Ulster prize, which was dedicated to food industry champion, Shane McArdle.

Susie Hamilton Stubber, director of Burren Balsamics said, “We take a lot of care to source only local fruit and herbs to infuse in our vinegar. This combination really works and it’s super that it came through based on blind-tasting alone.”

Lacada Brewery in Portrush walked away with the Best New Product award for its The Devil’s Washtub Ale. Laurie Davies, brewer at Lacada said, “We are stunned to get this award plus four more. We are a co-operative with 280 members who all bought shares. This is great recognition of all the hard work of the co-op including the many volunteers.”

Oliver Carty Meats from Roscommon took home the most awards, with the company picking up prizes in nine categories, as well as being named the best in Connaught.

The Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards are the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland and recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. This year more than 400 finalist producers competed in 130 categories.