FoodNI members recognised in Ireland for “notable flavour and quality”
Two FoodNI members are in line for unique all-island food awards organised by
Euro-Toques Ireland, a community of chefs and producers committed to celebrating
exceptional food.
Local nominees for awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best food
being produced on the island of Ireland, are Ballylisk Cheese, Ursa Minor
Bakehouse and Pheasant’s Hill Farm. The awards honour those who produce food
of “notable flavour and quality”. Ballylisk and Pheasant’s Hill are FoodNI members.
The annual Euro-Toques Food Awards take place next month at Ashford Castle in
Cong, Co. Mayo.
Chef Aisling Moore, leader of the Euro-Toques Council, explains: “Each year, the
awards shine a light on the people, places, and practices that define and elevate
Irish food.
“Rooted in a deep respect for tradition, sustainability, and innovation, these awards
celebrate the exceptional work of producers who not only nourish their communities
but also steward the land, sea, and cultural knowledge that make Ireland’s food
landscape so unique.
“With each award, the council honours not just excellence in taste and technique, but
the stories and systems behind the ingredients, celebrating producers who champion
biodiversity, uphold traditional skills, and build resilient, transparent food cultures,”
adds Aisling.
Nominated in the Farm category, Pheasants Hill Farm specialises in a range of
sustainably produced grass-fed meat, free range lamb, pork and poultry.
The quality of Ballylisk of Armagh Triple Rose soft cheese a family business run by
Mark Wright, is also celebrated with other craftspeople “who transform rich, raw milk
into delicate, flavourful cheeses that reflect both their landscape and values”. “These
producers are essential to the diversity and vitality of Ireland’s dairy landscape,
offering flavours that tell the story of place, passion, and provenance.”
Ursa Minor Bakehouse, a specialist in a range of handcrafted breads including
sourdough, is listed in the Traditional Craft/Skill category that honours “the people
behind the product who protect and preserve our culinary skills, technique and craft,
whilst inspiring the future”.
