Record number of SuperValu producers shortlisted for coveted Blas na hEireann Awards

Posted on 2nd October 2015 by Musgrave

63 Food Academy and 34 SuperValu Own Brand products nominated for awards

SuperValu, the leading Irish grocery retailer, announced today that a record number of SuperValu suppliers and Food Academy producers have been shortlisted for awards at this year’s Blas na hEireann National Irish Food Awards. 63 Food Academy and 34 SuperValu Own Brand products have been nominated for these prestigious food accolades.

The record number of nominations for SuperValu suppliers recognises the unrivalled quality Irish produce being produced locally and supplied to SuperValu – a further endorsement of SuperValu as the number one supporter of the Irish agri-food industry.

The nominations also highlight the success of Food Academy participants; Food Academy is a unique training programme run by SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Board, which supports and nurtures start-up food businesses. Over 200 Food Academy producers are now selling their products in SuperValu stores across Ireland.

46 Food Academy producers are shortlisted for the awards across a range of categories such as DeRoiste fresh Irish puddings, oriental tea from Lily’s Tea Shop, Nobo’s ice-cream and Patel’s authentic curries. Among the 34 SuperValu Own Brand products nominated for awards are renowned Irish suppliers such as Dunns Seafare, Kepak, Ballymaguire Foods, Couveture Desserts and Follain.

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu said, “We are immensely proud to see a record number of SuperValu Own Brand and Food Academy products recognised in the shortlist for this year’s awards. Their passion for food, commitment to quality and relentless hard work is admirable and it is fitting that they should be recognised among the very best of food producers in Ireland. Supporting over 2,200 local Irish suppliers, SuperValu is committed to local sourcing and the nominations are also an endorsement of the quality, taste and value that underpins our quality, fresh food.”

Blas na hEireann, The Irish Food Awards, is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Over 2500 products have been entered into this year’s competition to win Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in over 90 food and drink categories. The Blas na hEireann awards will be presented on Saturday, 3^rd October 2015.

SuperValu serves over 2.6 million customers every week and now has 223 stores nationwide. 75% of everything on SuperValu’s shelves is sourced or produced in Ireland. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever possible and purchases almost €2 billion worth of goods from Irish suppliers, which helps sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy.