Caption From Left: Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development & Social Protection, Margaret Jeffares, CEO, Good Food Ireland® & Paul Heery, General Manager, The K Club at the official launch of the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2024 in association with FBD Insurance.

The winners of the Good Food Ireland® Awards in association with FBD Insurance were revealed on Monday evening 11th November 2024 at a high-profile awards ceremony at The K Club in County Kildare attended by some 300 guests including Irish and international chefs, buyers, food and drink writers, media and industry leaders.

Attendees enjoyed a five-course gala dinner designed by The K Club’s Executive Chef Gary O’Hanlon inspired by our island’s landscape and seascape showcasing the freshest of ingredients from Irish suppliers including: Thornhill Duck; Garryhinch Mushroom; Killowen Farm Natural Yoghurt and Natural Cream Cheese; John Stone Fillet of Beef; Janet’s Country Fayre Chutney; Wilde Irish Chocolates; and The K Club’s honey from their own hives. All complemented by a Meet the Maker Drinks Showcase including the likes of: The Dew Drop Brewhouse, Kildare; Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur and Rebel City Gin, Cork, The Old Roots Irish Wine, Wexford; and a Cailleach Punch combining Roe & Co Apple Brandy, with Sencha Green Tea.

The Awards celebrate businesses at every layer of Ireland’s food and drink industry. From primary producers, manufacturers, and chefs, to shops, hotels, tourism experiences, and restaurants, those businesses who made the shortlist and went onto become winners are regarded by the judges as embodying all that makes Ireland’s food and drink offering so standout.

The core emphasis of these unique, all island, cross-sector Awards is the consumer experience of local, fresh, seasonal, Irish ingredients. Good Food Ireland® highlights tourism-hospitality and retail businesses that prioritise Irish produce and encourages others. In turn it also gives standout recognition to Irish farmers, food and drink producers and fishermen, creating commercial opportunity, sustainably strengthening local economies and communities.

And so to the winners…

One of the Dublin food scene’s most colourful characters, the second-generation fishmonger Peter Caviston of Caviston’s Seafood Restaurant & Food Emporium in Glasthule was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. As one of Ireland’s leading experts on fish and seafood cuisine, Peter became a strong advocate of Good Food Ireland® in 2006, supporting its mission to assist local producers and elevate Irish food culture, making it a point to highlight the rich history and regional diversity of Irish ingredients. Peter brought a wealth of knowledge and passion for Irish seafood to the forefront of the local food scene. His commitment to sourcing sustainable, high-quality ingredients helped champion the exceptional food produced across Ireland, from the sea to the land, and encouraged both locals and visitors to explore Ireland’s diverse food culture. His work continues to deepen the appreciation for Irish food both locally and internationally.

Meanwhile, the Master Smoker behind Ummera Smoked Products in Cork, Anthony Creswell, was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Food Production; a particularly poignant moment of the ceremony following his retirement from the 50-year-old family business which ceased trading exactly one month ago to the day on 11^th October 2024.  The award honoured Anthony for his family’s significant contribution to the Irish food scene and for his unwavering commitment to traditional smoking methods, sustainability and local sourcing. His dedication to excellence and quality craftsmanship, along with his innovative approach to flavour, has elevated Irish Smoked Salmon to international acclaim, not only celebrated for its exceptional taste but also highlighting Ireland’s culinary heritage. By championing Good Food Ireland®  through his sustainable practices and support for local farmers and fishermen, Anthony has helped promote Irish food culture both at home and abroad, and is a key figure in the Ireland’s gastronomic landscape.

Another family affair, this time the O’Neill Family of Mountain View, Kilkenny took home Food Innovator of the Year for their third-generation, multi-faceted family business.

What was originally a family farm, Mountain View started its journey of innovation over 25 years ago when it evolved from a farm to a golf course, and then to a restaurant and wedding venue, glamping and vibrant food and craft market. The Mountain View we know today began to thrive during COVID times. In 2018 the O’Neill family opened the doors to their first wedding and first diners at the restaurant, but not long after, in 2020 it shut due to the lockdown regulations. With no income, they had to innovate once again. In a time where the only things to do were to shop and spend time outdoors they opened a food and craft market. Despite its growth, the O’Neill family have stayed true to their family values, ensuring that every guest experiences the warmth and spirit of a family-run business. The market has fostered a supportive community for small businesses, providing them with a cost-effective platform to reach a broad audience. The Award is testament to the O’Neill family resilience, innovation and commitment to rural Ireland, showing that with creativity and determination, small businesses can thrive even in the toughest times.

The Good Food Ireland® Overall Producer of The Year was awarded to third generation artisan butchers Kelly’s of Newport, Co. Mayo, whilst there were two Sustainability Award winners; Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry for strong sustainable practices in farming, with a measurable carbon neutral landscape, leading the way in using agriculture as a method of capturing and storing carbon while remaining a productive landscape, and GROW HQ, Waterford  for their continuous development and implementation of sustainable practices, leading the way for the tourism and hospitality sector.

Castle Leslie Estate, in Co. Monaghan took the overall Supreme Award of The Year.

Award winners were selected through mystery inspections and assessments of those businesses approved by Good Food Ireland® and shortlisted by an independent panel of Irish and international leaders including Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland® Margaret Jeffares, former Good Food Ireland® Operations Director Susan Kerr, journalist John Wilson, hospitality consultant Tom O’Connell, lecturer in the School of Hospitality Management & Tourism at TU Dublin Dr Detta Melia, Executive Chairman and Owner of Odyssey International Kevin Shannon, and previous chef and hotelier Maurice Keller.

Members of the public also cast their votes online for their favourite places across the island of Ireland in the Food Lovers Choice Awards which was opened up to all businesses for the first time in the history of the awards. The winners for each region were: Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Limerick (Wild Atlantic Way); Corrigan’s Butchers Drumcondra (Dublin); The Glenroyal Hotel, Kildare (Ireland’s Ancient East); Kilronan Castle Estate, Roscommon (Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands); and Culloden Estate & Spa, Down (Northern Ireland).

Margaret Jeffares, Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland® said: “To say that deciding on the winners from our magnificent shortlist of businesses from across the island of Ireland has been tough this year would be a huge understatement. We’ve seen a notable rise in confidence in the tourism and hospitality industry to prioritise Irish ingredients due to customers being far more vocal about wanting to see Irish produce on the menu. Awareness around sustainability has increased across the board and utilising local food and drink is a fundamental way to assist sustainable goals as well as helping hotels and restaurants provide their clientele with true taste of their region. All these factors combined have given Irish farmers, fishermen and food and drink producers a renewed sense of purpose and desire to innovate.

So many of our winners this year are second or third generation family-run businesses who make up the very foundation of what’s so special about Ireland’s food and drink.  It is important to utilise our island’s own businesses and resources wherever possible, as well as keeping every layer of our food and drink industry exciting and dynamic in order to bring the next generation to the table. We’d like to congratulate every single one of this year’s worthy winners and thank them for their incredible service in promoting Ireland’s wonderful food and drink scene.”

FBD Insurance is the official partner of this year’s awards which are also proudly sponsored by: Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia, AIB, National Dairy Council, BIM, Roe & Co, Wine Consultants Ireland, and Waterford, along with The K Club, Co. Kildare as Host Partner.

General Manager of The K Club Paul Heery said: “Over the years we’ve found that there is no better way to provide our guests with a unique sense of place than through the use of local, seasonal produce across our menus. From the Full Irish breakfasts and artisan coffees right through to cosy late night suppers, there’s no drinking or eating opportunity that cannot be elevated by incorporating the wonderful ingredients procured from our bountiful island. It’s therefore always a true honour to host an event that recognises these local producers and suppliers who put so much passion and skill into what they do – allowing us in turn to create memorable experiences and showcase our country at its finest to both domestic and international visitors.”

See the full list of worthy winners below. For further details about the 2024 awards and Good Food Ireland® visit goodfoodireland.ie

Good Food Ireland®

goodfoodireland.ie

@goodfoodireland

-ENDS-

View Imagery Here

Caption from left: Tomás Ó Midheach, CEO FBD Insurance, Maurice Keller, Host & Judge of 2024 Awards, Peter Caviston, Caviston’s Restaurant and Food Emporium, Dublin – Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award being congratulated by Margaret Jeffares, CEO of Good Food Ireland®.

Notes to Editors

About the Awards:

The 2024 Good Food Ireland® Awards in association with FBD Insurance are proudly sponsored by: Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia, AIB, National Dairy Council, BIM, Roe & Co, Boursot Wines, and Waterford, along with The K Club, Co. Kildare as Host Partner.

FULL 2024 GOOD FOOD IRELAND® AWARDS WINNERS

5* HOTEL OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY WATERFORD

WINNER – THE MERRION, DUBLIN

A hotel that has achieved a harmonious balance between culinary excellence, sourcing the finest local ingredients that push the boundaries of traditional gastronomy, luxurious surroundings, beautifully appointed rooms, state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional service, creating an unforgettable experience for its guests.

CULINARY HAVEN OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY WATERFORD

WINNER – CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, MONAGHAN

This award recognises exceptional experience; in itself a food and drink destination that epitomises culinary excellence, highlighting the very best of local Irish produce

4* HOTEL OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY WINE CONSULTANTS IRELAND

WINNER – KELLY’S RESORT HOTEL & SPA, WEXFORD

A hotel that delivers a high-quality dining experience, showcasing seasonal, Irish produce, together with an approach that celebrates Ireland’s rich traditions and hospitality.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY WINE CONSULTANTS IRELAND

WINNER – AN PORT MOR, MAYO

A strong emphasis on seasonal Irish ingredients, whereby the Chef’s creativity consistently demonstrates an aptitude for bringing out the integrity of the ingredients and successfully marrying those flavours as a complete dish.  Warmth of hospitality, exceptional service, together with great food that truly makes for a memorable dining experience.  

HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY WINE CONSULTANTS IRELAND

WINNER – FORBES STREET BY GARETH MULLINS, ANANTARA THE MARKER DUBLIN 

Recognises excellence in hotel dining and honours culinary talent and innovation, showcasing Irish cuisine, sustainability, or regional specialties, considering factors such as food quality, service and ambiance.

CAFÉ OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY BALLYMALOE FOODS

WINNER – THE SILVER RESTAURANT AT NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE, KILDARE 

A clear demonstration of home-baked, in-house cooking or production with a passionate commitment to Irish produce, good old-fashioned Irish hospitality and a go to place for visitors and locals alike.

PUB OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY ROE & CO.

WINNER – THE LIFEBOAT INN, CORK

A pub that represents the very best of Irish food and culture, one that takes the Irish pub experience to a whole different level of excellence. Showcasing local Irish produce, with a consideration for traditional or speciality Irish dishes, supplemented by home-baked breads, cakes and desserts. A drinks selection of local Irish beers, spirits, drinks and beverages including Irish fruit cordials and juice, complemented by Irish Snacks and Crisps. A pub where people are immersed in another world of warmth, conversation, laughter and fun. What we Irish call ‘the craic’.

SHOP OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY IRISH CENTRAL

WINNER – BROGAN’S BUTCHERS, MEATH

A Shop offering a selection of quality Irish food and/or drink, that shares the stories of the people and places behind it. A shop that celebrates Irish biodiversity and creates a better environment for cooking, eating and beyond.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD – SPONSORED BY AIB

AGRI – FOOD WINNER – BROOK HALL ESTATE, DERRY

TOURISM HOSPITALITY WINNER – GROW HQ, WATERFORD

Through the Good Food Ireland® philosophy every approved business contributes to economic sustainability, benefitting local communities and safeguarding the future livelihoods of local people. This Award goes even further, recognising businesses for their environmental or social sustainability, businesses that have developed and implemented clean production initiatives and sustainable practices, demonstrating how they are helping to protect Ireland’s environment and greater wellbeing for the long-term benefit of all.

PRODUCER AWARDS

These Awards recognise producers for their premium produce and commitment to Irish provenance, leading the field in their production ethos, cultivation and catch practices and the top-quality produce it results in. We’ve acknowledged producers with a focus on environmental sustainability, preservation and collaboration with the local community.

MEAT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY FBD INSURANCE

WINNER – KELLY’S OF NEWPORT, MAYO 

FRUIT & VEGETABLE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY FBD INSURANCE

WINNER – KEARNS FRUIT FARM, WEXFORD 

FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY BORD IASCALGH MHARA

WINNER – REALT NA MARA SHELLFISH, KERRY

DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THE K CLUB

WINNER – LONG MEADOW CIDER, ARMAGH 

DAIRY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL

WINNER – FREEZIN’ FRIESIAN, WATERFORD 

SWEET & SAVOURY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY IRISH CENTRAL

WINNER – LEAHY BEEKEEPING, GALWAY 

BAKERY & CHOCOLATE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THE K CLUB

WINNER – THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN OF IRELAND, CARLOW

OVERALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY BORD BIA

WINNER – KELLY’S OF NEWPORT, MAYO 

A food or drink producer who has made a positive impact on the Irish food and/or drink industry, promoting the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and demonstrating a strong emphasis on using social media to tell their story and the story of Irish farming and food/drink production to a domestic and global audience.

FOOD INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY AIB

WINNER – THE O’ NEILL FAMILY, MOUNTAIN VIEW, KILKENNY 

The Good Food Ireland® Food Innovator of the Year is a person with a unique ability to think outside the box who develops new and innovative food products, concepts or techniques. They are willing to try new ingredients, techniques and flavour combinations, adapting to changing trends and preferences while maintaining their own unique style. They are often at the forefront of culinary trends, creating unique and exciting dining experiences.

EXCELLENCE IN FOOD TOURISM AWARD – SPONSORED BY TOURISM IRELAND

WINNER – BURREN SMOKEHOUSE & VISITOR CENTRE, CLARE

This Award recognises food and drink producers, providers, cooking schools, food attractions, farm gate experiences, trails or other food tourism experiences featuring Irish produce as the core component.

FOOD LOVERS CHOICE AWARD –SPONSORED BY MATRIX INTERNET

WILD ATLANTIC WAY WINNER – FITZGERALD’S WOODLANDS HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, LIMERICK

IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST WINNER – THE GLENROYAL HOTEL, KILDARE

IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS WINNER – KILRONAN CASTLE ESTATE, ROSCOMMON

DUBLIN WINNER – CORRIGAN’S BUTCHERS DRUMCONDRA, DUBLIN

NORTHERN IRELAND WINNER – CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA, DOWN

The Good Food Ireland® Food Lovers Choice award gives the public an opportunity to vote for their favourite business across the island of Ireland.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD PRODUCTION

WINNER – ANTHONY CRESWELL, UMMERA SMOKED PRODUCTS, CORK

Farming is the backbone of Ireland’s Agri-food business, boosting our tourism industry and supporting the economy of our rural environments. This honorary award is in recognition and celebration of the thousands of farmers, for their steadfast contribution to food production on our island and the measures being put in place to farm more sustainably. It highlights the importance of farming not just economically, but its generational legacy and cultural contribution to Irish tourism and the wider community.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

WINNER – PETER CAVISTON, CAVISTON’S RESTAURANT & FOOD EMPORIUM, DUBLIN

In recognition of a remarkable lifelong achievement across both the tourism hospitality sector and the food production sector.

SUPREME AWARD OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY FBD INSURANCE

WINNER – CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, MONAGHAN