The Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards are now considered to be the ultimate benchmark of quality Irish produce, from the whole island of Ireland, north and south. Each category receives a gold, silver and bronze medal winner. In addition, there is a Supreme Champion, a Best of Gaeltacht winner and a Best Irish Artisan producer.
Una won Gold for her Chicken, Leek and Cheese Pie - Silver for Roast Veg, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese and Gubbeen Chorizo Pie and Bronze for her Thai Green Chicken Curry Pie in the 2012 Blas na hEireann Irish Foods Awards as well as Best in Farmers Market.
A group of Irish food producers and grocers started the Blas na hÉireann National Irish Food Awards, in 2008,to bring increased attention to the high quality of Irish foods, to overseas markets but especially to the Irish public. The judges look for extra special products that are made using top quality Irish ingredients, by passionate and talented producers.
The Supreme Champion 2012 at this years events was Una's Pies Chicken Leek and Cheese Pie. Una's Pies was founded by Una Martin from Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Una makes a range of savoury pies in a pastry crust and has been a rising start in the south-west selling her pies at farmers markets, fairs & food festivals. She won the Best Artisan Producer Award at the 2011 Blas na hEireann event.
 |
| Una Martin, of Una's Pies, with her Award Winning products |
Una's Pies are available at Mahon Point Farmers Market this Thursdays, Douglas Farmers Market and Midleton Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Other Special Awards were presented to:
Best Artisan Producer
Big Red Kitchen
Best New Product
Ballymooney Foods Rack of Wild Venison
Best Export Achievement
Hannans Meats
Best Emerging Kerry Producer
Sasta Sausages
AIB Business Diversification Award
Carrygerry House
Most Innovative Product
Gallaghers Bakery Plain Soda Bread
Rogha na Gaeltacht
Breizon Teo - Atlantis Seafood Surf N Turf-Smoked Scallops and Black Pudding
