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"Cheese Brands Synonymous with good taste and High Quality"

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee TD, has presented the Irish Cheese awards at the SHOP exhibition in the RDS in Dublin. The SHOP exhibition is a major trade event at which thousands of Irish buyers attend, looking for the latest products, including food products to enhance their retail or hospitality enterprises.

The growing success of the Irish cheese sector, has led to the establishment of a specific award, which includes categories for both small artisan producers and for larger commercial creameries, and recognises the critical role that both play in enhancing the reputation of the Irish food sector.

The Irish farmhouse cheese sector has experienced dramatic growth since its revival in the 1970’s, and today there are more than fifty farmhouse cheese producers in Ireland producing more than 140 individual varieties of cheese.

Speaking at the event, Minister McEntee paid tribute to the drive and determination of all of those involved in the sector: "Food Harvest 2020 targets a 50% increase in growth in dairy production over the next decade. High quality cheese will be a critical component of the product mix for this expanded production and I want to compliment both our large dairy processors and our smaller artisan cheese producers for helping to raise the profile of Irish cheese and the Irish food sector generally through their effort and innovation over the years. Many of our cheese brands have become synonymous with good taste and high quality, and this is the space in which the Irish food sector needs to be."

With reference to the award winners, the Minister said: I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all nominees and winners of these awards and in particular Marion Roeleveld from Killeen Farmhouse, Co. Galway who has been named Supreme Champion for her Killeen Goat Mature cheese. The farmhouse cheese sector is a perfect example of what can be achieved when small producers put their energy and imagination into developing their enterprises. The sector has been leading the way in terms of growth in the artisan food production sector. It capitalises on the enthusiasm of individuals who turn their passion into smart business and is among the best examples of turning our best traditions into modern sustainable business propositions".

Concluding, the Minister thanked all the judges and participants for leading the way in the development of a positive brand image for Irish food