The North Mayo Heritage Centre has had one of its products shortlisted for the upcoming National Organic Awards, organised by Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
The centre’s red and white onions are among the finalists for the Direct Selling Award.
The National Organic Awards, which mark the achievements of Irish organic food and drink growers and manufacturers who create excellent quality organic products in Ireland, will take place at Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters on Thursday October 13. Following judging by a team of industry experts, just 20 companies were shortlisted across seven categories.
"In addition to a record 278 entries, we are delighted to see that the quality and diversity of the products continues to go from strength to strength each year," said Mary Morrissey, senior manager in Bord Bia’s food and beverage division. "The judges had a difficult task in shortlisting the finalists, showing the dedication of Irish organic food producers with the awards offering a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the best the industry has to offer."
This year’s prestigious judging panel included Jp McMahon, Michelin-starred chef from Aniar restaurant in Galway; freelance journalists Suzanne Campbell and Oliver Moore; Alan Kinnear, international buying manager with UK online retailer Ocado; Al Overton, head of buying at Planet Organic, the UK’s largest fully certified organic supermarket; Lisa Garrett, innovation chef with Le Pain Quotidien restaurant, based in Kildare Village; and Evan Doyle, owner of The BrookLodge Hotel, Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
For further information on the National Organic Awards, visit www.bordbia.ie/organicawards2016
