Simon McKeever (left), CEO of the Irish Exporters Association and Marie Armstrong (right) President of the IEA with the East Coast Bakehouse company, headed by Michael Carey, and Alison Cowzer who won the 2019 Exporter of the Year at the IEA Export Industry Awards . Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography

Irish Exporters Association announces 2019 Export Industry Awards

Drogheda-based East Coast Bakehouse was crowned overall Exporter of the Year at the 2019 Export Industry Awards on Friday night after winning the Small & Emerging Exporter of the Year earlier in the evening.

With 12 high-profile companies winning awards across the 12 categories, this year saw one of the most competitive processes in the Awards’ history. The IEA’s annual flagship event, a black-tie Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner with 500 export industry professionals, local and international dignitaries in attendance, was moderated by PJ Gallagher.

Established in 2015 by Michael Carey and Alison Cowzer, East Coast Bakehouse is already sold in 25 countries.

East Coast Bakehouse has developed innovative products and is one of the fastest growing food manufacturers in Ireland. The company also plays an important part in the local community employing over 60 people in Drogheda and has launched the “Baker's Dozen Fund” which donates 1/13th of their profits to local charities.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, Marie Armstrong, President of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “Tonight, we recognise the outstanding achievements of companies working in and supporting the export industry in Ireland.

“Across 12 categories, we celebrate Irish business excellence – from Innovators and Small & Emerging exporters to the Multinationals, from Life Sciences and Food & Drink Exporters to the Services and Technology Exporters and the many companies which provide vital services to the sector.

“As an island-nation at Europe’s periphery, we are globally renowned for overcoming difficult obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities. I am convinced that Irish exporters will continue to turn challenges into opportunities and continue to lead the way across the global market.

“We are delighted to announce East Coast Bakehouse as the winner of the prestigious 2019 overall Exporter of the Year. East Coast Bakehouse showed impressive innovation, technology and growth strategy.

“The judges were particularly impressed by the leadership’s experience and expertise which lead to their fast-growing success in a very competitive market. The company also demonstrated remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.”