Blas na hÉireann 2017: Glenstal Butter wins top prize
A butter brand based in Murrisk, Co. Limerick, has been awarded the top prize at this year's Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards in Dingle, Co. Kerry
Print2 October 2017
Glenstal, a traditional Irish butter brand, has taken the top prize at the 10th Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards in Dingle, Co Kerry.
Glenstal Irish Creamery Butter is made by Arrabawn Co-Op in Nenagh, Tipperary for Glenstal Foods, Murroe, Co.Limerick. It is traditionally churned and wrapped in parchment paper. It gained the highest score out of more than 2,500 entries in this year’s competition.
“We are absolutely delighted to win,” said Gareth Coleman of Glenstal Foods at the event. “This accolade is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and supplier members.
“We like to think our butter is one of the creamiest, naturally spreadable and tastiest available,” Coleman said. “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.”
Commenting on the win for Glenstal, Artie Clifford chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said it’s simply back to basics. “What are we famous for in Ireland? Our dairy,” he said. “The quality of this product is supreme. It reminds me of the butter we had when we were children!”
Mark Morgan,Shelflife, presents a €10,000 euro advertising spend with ShelfLife to Trish Lynch from Limerick Enterprise Office on behalf of Glenstal Irish Creamery Butter; also pictured: Cian de Staic, Brian de Staic Jewellery, Artie Clifford, Chairman and Declan Coppinger, Bord Bia
Aswell as the award itself, Glenstal Irish Creamery Butter was presented with a €10,000 advertising spend with ourselves here at ShelfLife magazine. The presentation was made by Mark Morgan of ShelfLife, and Declan Coppinger of Bord Bia.
Glenstal also won the award for Best in Munster.
The other big winners at the Awards were a fruit and herb infused vinegar from County Armagh which won Best Artisan: Burren Balsamics Blackberry and Thyme Vinegar. This brand also took the Best in Ulster prize, which was dedicated in the memory of Shane McArdle This is the first year the Best in Ulster Award has been dedicated to the memory of Shane McArdle, who worked tirelessly for the promotion of NI’s food scene.
The award for Best New Product went to a craft beer from an Antrim co-op, The Devil’s Washtub Ale from the Lacada Brewery in Portrush.
Oliver Carty Meats from Roscommon took home the most awards. The company took prizes in 9 categories as well as the Best in Connaught. Best in Leinster was Kepak.
This is the 10th year of the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards, the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland. They recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink, and this year considered more than 400 finalist producers competing in 130 categories.
For the full list of winners, visit www.irishfoodawards.com
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