Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards. From left: Diarmuid Kelly of Kelly Mussels, Noel Leahy of Sliabh Aughty Honey, Aisling Flanagan of Velvet Cloud, Fionntan Gogarty of Wildwood Balsamic Vinegars, Barry Walsh of Killahora Orchards, Noel Leahy of Sliabh Aughty Honey and Helena Hickey of Skeaghanore West Cork Farm. Photo: Kirsty Lyons

Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards recognise Mayo producers

Published:

SOME of Ireland’s most exciting producers were recognised at the 2023 Euro-Toques Food Awards at Dunbrody Country House Hotel.

They included two Mayo food producers, with the prestigious chefs’ choice award assigned to yogurt producers Velvet Cloud and wild aged vinegars makers Wildwood Balsamics.

Established in 1996 based on an original idea by the legendary Myrtle Allen, the Euro-Toques Food Awards recognise and celebrate the very best food being produced in Ireland.

Six awards were presented by Euro-Toques Ireland under the categories Water, Land, Farm, Dairy and Artisan Produce and Craft.

The dairy award went to Velvet Cloud for their outstanding sheep milk yogurt and their contribution to championing Ireland’s rich and flavoursome dairy bounty.

Wildwood Balsamics won the craft award for their outstanding wild aged vinegars and their contribution to protecting the tradition and skill of vinegar making in Ireland.

The common denominator running through the six categories this year is the theme of social responsibility with a focus on increasing biodiversity and the conservation of traditions and heritage.

For 2023, Euro-Toques particularly highlighted mussel farms and regenerative aquaculture; honey producers and beekeepers; producers of forgotten meats; our rich bounty of yogurts and ice-creams; makers of craft drinks based on apples such as cider, brandy and wines; and last - but not least - our innovative vinegar makers.

Published: