Above: Joe O’Connor from Truly Irish and Caroline Rigney from Rigney’s Farm in Curraghchase, at the showcase in Limerick. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22

Judging of the upcoming Irish Quality Food Awards moved from Dublin to its new location at Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).

Three weeks of judging were held at LIT during the month of July, culminating in a networking showcase of the best produce in the region – held at the Limerick Strand Hotel and sponsored by Local Enterprise Offices in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.

“The Local Enterprise Offices here in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary were delighted to sponsor this special evening to coincide with the occasion of the Irish Quality Food Awards judging taking place in Limerick,” said Éamon Ryan, Head of Enterprise for the Local Enterprise Office Limerick. “It was great to partner with the Irish Quality Food Awards as the Mid-West region has an array of excellent food and drink produce making it a natural fit with the awards which are synonymous with the finest quality products. We are also delighted that the Irish Quality Food Awards have chosen Limerick as their new home and we look forward to working in partnership with them again.”

The annual awards recognise the best food and drink products on sale in Ireland, open to food producers, wholesalers, caterers and food service operators who work with Ireland’s hospitality and grocery industries. Each year thousands of products undergo rigorous testing across more than 100 categories – this year’s winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner on October 18th.

“We relocated to Limerick this year after being in Dublin for our previous five years. Our Kitchen Manager is Agnes Bouchier-Hayes, a Principal Investigator with Food@LIT, which has an excellent reputation,” explained Helen Lyons, MD of the Awards. “When we looked at the facilities available at LIT they were so spacious and modern and had exactly what we needed, so it was a natural move to make LIT our new home. They have been a brilliant partner to work with.”

More information about the Awards and the shortlist for 2018 is available at irish.qualityfoodawards.com.