SuperValu’s Louth-based Food Academy producers have once again been recognised for their excellence, claiming two awards at this year’s prestigious Blás na hÉireann Awards.
This success forms part of SuperValu’s impressive national showing, with producers working with Ireland’s largest grocery retailer securing 96 awards across a wide range of categories, including SuperValu Own Brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes, and The Happy Pear ranges.
Among the Louth winners were:
- King of Kefir Hopped Culture, produced by Gerry Scullion of King of Kefir, recognised for crafting tasty and healthy botanical drinks using natural ingredients.
- Gabrielle Hanlon of Muchgrange Farm, who won the ‘Best in Louth’ Award for her family-run business’s handcrafted Gelato, made using fresh milk from their farm.
The Food Academy is a unique producer development programme run in partnership between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), and accredited by TU Dublin as a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 2013, Food Academy producers have sold a combined €260 million worth of products through SuperValu stores nationwide.
Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, praised the achievements of Louth’s producers, noting the continued success of the Food Academy programme in nurturing local talent and innovation.
SuperValu works with more than 1,800 Irish suppliers, reflecting its long-standing commitment to championing locally sourced food and drink.
Now in its 18th year, the Blás na hÉireann Awards celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. With thousands of entries spanning over 180 categories, the competition is regarded as an industry gold standard, with all products blind-tasted by expert chefs, restaurateurs, academics, and journalists.
SuperValu’s continued success at this year’s awards underscores its dedication to supporting the highest quality Irish food and drink and promoting the excellence of local producers such as those in Louth.
