An Taoiseach Enda Kenny launches

2011 Good Food Ireland Awards in association with Kerrygold

“Good Food Ireland has made a significant contribution in promoting Ireland as a destination for good food internationally. I would like to congratulate Margaret Jeffares and the membership of Good Food Ireland for the economic benefit they generate through their businesses’ every day, with their local food philosophy”, says An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.

“Good Food Ireland’s emphasis on promoting high quality Irish food in tourism, both domestically and internationally is an ideal fit and Kerrygold is delighted to sponsor Ireland’s premier food tourism brand” said John Jordan, the Irish Dairy Board’s Customer Foods Marketing Director at the launch.

Good Food Ireland brings together great food businesses all over the island of Ireland. What links them is a passionate commitment to offering the very best Irish-ingredient-led food experience. This means demonstrating, not just stating an adherence to local, seasonal and fresh.

These like-minded businesses have chosen to come together under the unique all island umbrella brand Good Food Ireland and to be co-operatively and cost effectively marketed for that standard and daily commitment. Good Food Ireland independently assesses businesses prior to entering the organisation to ensure that the brand standard and consumer guarantee is met. 

The Good Food Ireland awards look to champion and celebrate those within the group whose approach, activity and outcomes shine over others. Winners are leading examples to all other businesses in the food and tourism industries that want to increase their customer base through positioning their business as a food tourism product or that want to diversify and innovate through marketing or product development. 

Every day in our promotion of the Good Food Ireland network of businesses we engage with a food lover audience and hear their views. Many applaud the high standard, superior food and commitment to local farmers, food producers and fishermen that Good Food Ireland businesses offer to them. This feedback is invaluable in our assessment of award winners together with the feedback we receive from our independent inspection team. If you would like to recommend any Good Food Ireland Member for an award please email reservations@goodfoodireland.ie. Thank you for the feedback by email, on the site, on Facebook and on Twitter in nominating your favourite. Nominations are now closed.

This year I am delighted that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny will present the Good Food Ireland 2011 Awards in recognition of our network and the significant contribution it makes every day to the food culture and image of our island and to its economy.

Margaret Jeffares
Founder & Managing Director
Good Food Ireland

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AWARD CATEGORIES

Good Food Ireland Supreme Award of the Year

Sponsored by Kerrygold

The business that this year most strongly reflects the Good Food Ireland philosophy, sharing and partnering with other businesses within the network to generate joint competitive advantage.

Good Food Ireland Food Producer of the Year

Sponsored by Bord Bia

Good Food Ireland “Come & See” Food Producer of the Year

Sponsored by Tourism Ireland

We live in a world of dramatic disjoint. To open up, reveal, explain, is a real gift, education in its raw state. This is a producer who generously realises this. In a real way reveals an Ireland that is too often hidden to too many.

They reflect their terroir, work with the constraints but also celebrate the possibility modern techniques bring.

Good Food Ireland Newcomer of the Year

Sponsored by Kildare Village

The business embracing the network this year which most clearly demonstrates the philosophy of good local food.

Good Food Ireland Culinary Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by House of Waterford Crystal

An unforgettable food experience. An approach that celebrates Ireland’s rich tradition of hospitality with a focus on seasonal Irish produce and top quality producers

Good Food Ireland Culinary Haven

Sponsored by Hertz

This award recognises guest accommodation that prioritises a superior local food experience

Good Food Ireland Restaurant of the Year

Sponsored by Classic Drinks

Championing local produce, serving imaginative and unpretentious menus that celebrate both ingredients and producer.

Good Food Ireland Food Pub of the Year

Sponsored by Grant Thornton

Delivering a superior food offer emphasising an Irish-ingredient led experience.

Good Food Ireland Café of the Year

The emphasis is on quality local Irish food, demonstrating outstanding service and hospitality.

Good Food Ireland Local Food Shop of the Year

Sponsored by Silver Hill Foods

A clear demonstration of local produce combined with appropriate service.

Good Food Ireland Cookery School of the Year

Sponsored by Neff

One that empowers engages and entertains. That brings local food alive and celebrates its context and relevance.

Good Food Ireland Ambassador of the Year

Sponsored by Foras na Gaelige

This award highlights the enormous voluntary commitment and belief in the efforts of Good Food Ireland. The winner’s contribution has unselfishly benefited every business within the network.

Good Food Ireland Food Lover’s Choice Award

Sponsored by The Irish Times

Selected by public users of Good Food Ireland as their overall favourite food destination.  Those listing the winner will be entered into a draw, the winner attending the awards as a guest of Good Food Ireland. This person will also present the award with the Taoiseach to the overall winner.

Good Food Ireland Most Innovative Award

Sponsored by Failte Ireland

The member who has embraced innovation and diversification, impressively adapting to changes in the market environment.