The National Organic Food Awards 2018 taking place on Wednesday, 10th October. The shortlist represents the wide selection of organic food and drink products available through an increasing variety of consumer channels including foodservice, retail, direct sales and export.
Hosted every second year by Bord Bia; in association with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, The National Organic Food Awards celebrate developments in the sector across key categories as judged by a panel of experts. A new award in 2018 highlights the sustainability achievements and contributions of organic producers to their local communities.
Speaking about this year’s Awards Karen Tyner, Senior Manager, Food and Beverage, Bord Bia said: ‘The Irish organic market is currently valued at over €200 million and the global export market is set to jump in value to €224 billion by 2022. Innovative products are continuing to contribute to growth in the sector and consumers are seeking more opportunities to choose organic. These awards recognise producers and manufacturers whose products differentiate themselves in the marketplace to meet this growing consumer demand both at home and internationally.’
The shortlisted entrants were selected from the following categories: Chefs’ Choice Award, Retail Award, Direct Selling Award, Export Award, Best New & Innovative Product Award and the newly added Business in the Community Award. Among the key judging criteria for this year’s Awards were taste and quality, market opportunity, value for money, packaging and branding, versatility, and ability to overcome market challenges.
Winners will receive a tailored support package to a significant value from Bord Bia to assist in growing their businesses.
The judging panel for this year’s awards comprises a cross section from foodindustry, academia, media and hospitality as follows: Evan Doyle, Brooklodge, Dr. Oliver Moore, Irish Examiner Journalist, UCC Lecturer and Organic Expert; Gillian Nelis, Sunday Business Post; Frank Bardet - Sourcing Director Biocoop France.