Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery was announced as the first Irish winner of the Supreme Champion award at The 2006 Great Taste Awards held in London for her Irish Wild Smoked Salmon. The Supreme Award, sponsored by Fortnum and Mason was presented by Simon Burdess, Food Trading Director at Fortnum and Mason. Over 200 of Europe's finest food producers, UK delicatessens and food writers attended the event.
Richard Johnson, TV presenter, restaurant critic and Chairman of the competition commented "What separates a truly exquisite food from an acceptable food certainly isn't its packaging, marketing, promotional budget. The proof of the pudding, quite literally, remains in the eating and Sally's entry was truly brilliant. It was a unanimous decision from all the judges."
Sally Barnes was also awarded the Best Irish Food award at the ceremony. The Irish Food category was sponsored by Bord Bia and the award was presented by Colette Shannon, Trade Marketing Specialist, Bord Bia, London.
There were some 4,500 entries for this year's Great Taste Awards. The selection process included four tasting rounds during the summer months. Judging took place in Dublin, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Winchester, Dorset and London. Each food was decanted, sliced, or cooked by a team of chefs. Over 400 food experts selected 510 gold medal winners and of the 510 gold medals awarded, 116 went to Irish producers.
The final top five entries chosen were judged at the fourth tasting by the Supreme Jury and the Chairman of the Jury, Richard Johnson decided the 2006 Great Taste Awards Supreme Champion.
Sally Barnes was also awarded the Best Chilled Product award which was sponsored by Air Products, UK.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Rosaleen O'Shaughnessy,
Corporate Communications,
Bord Bia
Tel: 01 614 2245 / 0872632836
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