press release
Anthony Cresswell of Ummera and the lads at the Lifeboat Inn honoured
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| Three cheers for Anthony! |
West Cork’s The Lifeboat Inn was named Pub of the Year and Co. Cork businessman Anthony Creswell of Ummera Smoked Products was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Food Production Award at the prestigious Good Food Ireland® Awards 2024 in association with FBD Insurance as the Awards’ worthy winners were announced during a high-profile ceremony at The K Club in Co. Kildare on Monday (11 November).
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.
More than 300 attendees including Irish and international chefs, buyers, food and drink writers, media and industry leaders 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.
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 11th 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.
Meanwhile, West Cork’s The Lifeboat Inn in the tranquil village of Courtmacsherry was declared Pub of the Year for representing the very best of Irish food and culture, taking the Irish pub experience to a whole different level of excellence.
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.
The epitome of the Irish pub experience. Congrats to David (centre) and Martin (right).
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, Boursot Wines, and Waterford, along with The K Club, Co. Kildare as Host Partner .
See the full list of winners below. For more details about the awards and general information about Good Food Ireland® visit goodfoodireland.ie
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
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