Food industry bites back at rip-off claims
Tuesday September 30 2008
FOOD producers fed up with being blamed for "rip-off Ireland" prices have hit back, saying they are promoting Ireland as a foodie heaven to tourists.
Good Food Ireland said that with two of the country's most important industries, tourism and agriculture, "on their knees", now is the time to push ahead with top-quality artisan foods.
The great and the good of the country's food producers, restaurateurs and hoteliers gathered at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin last night for the inaugural Good Food Ireland Awards Dinner, which was also attended by Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Martin Cullen.
Drive
Margaret Jeffares, managing director of Good Food Ireland, said the voluntary industry organisation hopes to "drive food tourism".
"We're fed up with being tarnished with the rip-off Ireland tag that says we're bad value for money. We're supporting local farmers, fishermen and producers. We want to be endorsed and recognised for what we're doing," she said.
Top honours on the night went to Darina Allen's Ballymaloe House and Cookery School in Shanagarry, Co Cork, which won the Overall Member Award, sponsored by the Irish Independent.
The traditional Irish breakfast served up at Coolanowle Country House and Organic Farm at Ballickmoyler, in Co Carlow, won the Best Local Breakfast Award.
John Brennan, managing director of The Park Hotel, in Kenmare, Co Kerry, received the Energy Efficiency Award, while Damian Corr, from The Merrion Hotel, in Dublin, was named Wine Person of the Year.
In a series of regional awards, Belle Isle School of Cookery, in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, won for the north. The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, won for the south, while The Winding Stair, in Dublin, won for the east, and Gregan's Castle, in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, won the award for the west.
- Breda Heffernan
