merrion street

Minister of State Shane McEntee 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.

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.

Read the full press release here.