This is only the second year that an environmental award has been made; introduced last year in recognition of the growing importance of sustainability across the food and retail sectors.

The Guild’s new Chairperson, Orla Broderick said; “These awards are not about luck or chance and the industry cannot lobby on behalf of food producers. These awards are about one thing only, achieving consistent standards of real quality and excellence and as a Guild, we are very proud of the high standards we have helped to set. The strict judging process ensures that only exceptional producers are recognised, each year.

“We are not confined by company size; set categories; turnover or established relationships. No food producer can enter for an award and indeed, no company ever knows that it is being considered for an award until the judging is complete and contact is made.

Our criteria is strict but straightforward - the products, traditional or innovative, must be produced in Ireland and the main ingredients must be home produced. We are really thrilled with the calibre of this year’s winners and hope the accolade will contribute somewhat to their long-term success.”

Ms Broderick concluded by paying tribute to Bord Bia for its continued support of the Awards.