Stonewell Rós rhubarb cider from Cork beat off competition from over 2,500 Irish food and drink products to be awarded the coveted “supreme champion” title of the 2016 Blas na hEireann, the Irish Food Awards, sponsored by Bord Bia.

Indeed, Irish ciders scored highly with judges at this year’s event, with Tempted? elderflower cider from Lisburn and MacIvors plum and ginger cider from Co Armagh tying for the top prize in the “best artisan” category.

Other key award winners included The Purple Pantry for Teeling small batch and ginger marmalade (best new product); Dublin City Gin (best start-up); Kilmore Quay for their breaded haddock goujons (best seafood innovation); and Folláin Preserves (Rogha na Gaeltachta).

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Meanwhile, “chef’s larder” awards were given to Cavanagh free-range eggs from Co Fermanagh; Fancy Fungi Mushrooms from Wexford for their umami paste; Dexter beef dripping from Killenure Dexter in Tipperary; shellfish pearls from IASC; Cork and Bog Oak Bitters, also from Cork.

For further information on all the award winners, visit www.irishfoodawards.com CL