The winners of Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Industry Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank were announced this evening at a gala dinner in the Mansion House, Dublin by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Mary Coughlan T.D.
The award categories were based on six consumer lifestyle trends recently identified in a global research initiative commissioned by Bord Bia. The categories recognise current consumer needs and reflect the ways in which companies have responded to the trends through product innovation, branding and communications.
Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Industry Award Winners
| >CATEGORY | >WINNER; | >PRODUCT |
| >Making a Difference Award | >Glenisk Organic | >Yoghurts |
| >Smart Shopper Award | >Irish Country Meats | >Ready to cook lamb range |
| >Real Thing Award | >Glenilen Farm | >Yoghurts and dessert range |
| >Life on the Go Award | >Flahavan’s | >Microwaveable Quick Oats |
| >Quest for Health and Wellness Award | >Glanbia | >Yoplait Essence |
| >Living Life to the Full Award | >Diageo Ireland | >Baileys flavoured liqueurs |
| >Special Merit Award | >Coole Quay Liqueur Company | >Coole Swan Superior Dairy Cream Liqueur |
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Mary Coughlan T.D. commented that “The standard of the nominations shows just how dynamic, innovative and sophisticated our industry has become. The Irish companies present tonight are among many who have managed to leverage the benefits of Ireland’s renowned natural production environment. It is these companies, succeeding on the national and international markets that are proving that Ireland, is indeed the Food Island”
Angela Kennedy, Chairman, Bord Bia commented “the Bord Bia Food and Drink Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank provide the perfect platform to recognise the excellence of the industry and its exceptional players. The awards also demonstrate that the industry is well positioned to expand its €8billion export business based on the exceptional level of innovation evident across all sectors”.
“The awards are designed to facilitate a stronger food and drink industry by highlighting the companies who provide food solutions that make life better, brighter and easier for today’s consumer. Over 200 entries were considered for six awards surpassing the judges expectations and demonstrating the energy and dynamism that is the Irish food and drink industry today” she added.
Eddie Cullen, Head of Corporate Banking, Ulster Bank said, "Ulster Bank prides itself on being a leading financial supporter of the food industry in Ireland and as such we are delighted to recognise the creativity, drive and commitment to excellence which these prestigious awards highlight. The food and drink sector has a long history of entrepreneurship and has consistently risen to meet the challenges of global competitive pressures through production innovation, supply chain improvements and quality excellence. We look forward to continuing to support, recognise and reward outstanding contributions to the industry".
2007 sees a new ‘consumer-centric’ approach to the award categories based on lifestyle trends as opposed to traditional food categories. This new and exciting awards format is believed to be the first approach of its kind in the world and recognises that in the 21st century, huge forces of change are shaping consumer thoughts, aspirations and buying patterns in the global marketplace.
Almost 500 food and drink industry representatives attended the gala dinner and reception.
Irish Food and Drink exports performed strongly in 2006, exceeding the €8billion mark for the first time, an increase of 10 percent on the previous year.