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Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards. Front: Aisling Flanagan of Velvet Cloud; chef Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody House; Helena Hickey of Skeaghanore West Cork Farm. Back: Diarmuid Kelly of Kelly Mussels, Fionntan Gogarty of Wildwood Balsamic Vinegars; Barry Walsh of Killahora Orchards; Noel Leahy of Sliabh Aughty Honey. Photograph: Kirsty Lyons
Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards. Front: Aisling Flanagan of Velvet Cloud; chef Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody House; Helena Hickey of Skeaghanore West Cork Farm. Back: Diarmuid Kelly of Kelly Mussels, Fionntan Gogarty of Wildwood Balsamic Vinegars; Barry Walsh of Killahora Orchards; Noel Leahy of Sliabh Aughty Honey. Photograph: Kirsty Lyons

The 2023 Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards were presented at an awards ceremony at Dunbrody Country House Hotel in Co Wexford on Monday afternoon. There were six winners, in the categories of Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan and Craft. The annual awards were first established in 1996 by the late Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House in Co Cork. The shortlisted products were nominated by chefs, who use them in their restaurants, and the winners were voted for by member of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Council.

The winners are:

WATER: Kelly Mussels for their blue rope mussels and their contribution to regenerative aquaculture in Ireland

LAND: Sliabh Aughty Honey for their raw honeys and their contribution to the protection of Irish heritage and biodiversity.

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FARM: Skeaghanore West Cork Farm for their Pekin duck and their contribution to preserving the traditional and ethical way of rearing animals in Ireland

DAIRY: Velvet Cloud for their sheep milk yogurt and their contribution to championing Ireland’s rich and flavoursome dairy bounty

ARTISAN PRODUCE: Killahora Orchards for their Rare Apple Ice Wine and their contribution to championing the artisan production of Irish craft drinks using apples.

CRAFT: Wildwood Balsamics for their outstanding wild aged vinegars and their contribution to protecting the tradition and skill of vinegar making in Ireland.

“The Food Council’s mission extends far beyond this event,” said chef Conor Halpenny, newly elected as Head of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Council. “Together, we represent a diverse tapestry of culinary knowledge, experiences, and insights that have shaped our approach to recognizing excellence within the industry. We are committed to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving culinary landscape.”

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