ALDI and its network of Irish-based suppliers and producers were big winners at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards with local ALDI suppliers from Co Galway among those recognised.
Local suppliers, Loughnane's of Galway and Builín Blasta received top accolades at this year’s awards. Winning products include a gold medal for Loughnane's of Galway’s Specially Selected White Pudding and a silver award for their Specially Selected Black Pudding. Builín Blasta also scooped a gold award for their Smoked Onion Mayo.
The Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards were presented on September 29th at a ceremony in Dingle, Co. Kerry and saw ALDI’s suppliers win a total of 43 awards, including 13 gold medals, 16 silver medals and 14 bronze medals.
Speaking about this year’s Blas na hÉireann wins, John Curtin, Group Buying Director at ALDI, said: “At ALDI, we dedicate ourselves every day to delivering quality local food to our customers at affordable prices. This requires a serious team effort, and we could not do it without the hard work of our incredible Irish suppliers. That’s why it is so gratifying to see so many of them recognised at this year's Blas na hÉireann Awards. With many of the winning products available year-round in 160 ALDI stores nationwide, customers can rest assured that they are availing of the best of the best when it comes to Irish food and drink. Congratulations to our producers and buying teams on this fantastic achievement.”
Now in its 16th year, the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. With more than 150 categories, it recognises and rewards the best of Irish food and drink. The judging process, developed in conjunction with UCC and the University of Copenhagen, is regarded as an industry ‘gold’ standard worldwide with each product subjected to a blind taste test that sees packaging and identifying features removed to ensure a level playing field. The judging panel is composed of food experts from a variety of backgrounds, including chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, foodchampions, caterers and enthusiastic home cooks.
For more information on the award-winning products available in 160 ALDI stores nationwide, please visit www.aldi.ie
