Five Companies From the Gaeltacht Go For Gold in Prestigious Finals
The Irish language and Ireland’s Irish speaking(Gaeltacht) regions will play a huge part in this year’s Food & Drink Awards as five producers have made it to the grand final. The event which celebrates the best of manufacturing and the people behind the products, takes place in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on the 5th of September.
There’s a huge Irish influence this year with finalists from the Gaeltacht including:
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Gallagher’s Bakery, Co. Donegal
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Proiseail(An Clochan Liath) Teoranta/Irish Fish Canners, Co. Donegal
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Drioglann Shliabh Liag CGA- Dulaman Seaweed Gin, Co. Donegal
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Caveman Grub, Co. Galway
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The Dingle Whiskey Distillery, Co. Kerry
All companies are part of Údarás na Gaeltachta, a regional state agency which is responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of Irish-speaking regions of Ireland.
Speaking about the significance of Gaeltacht companies making the finals, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh said: “The Gaeltacht region which comprises of ares stretching from Donegal in the northwest to Waterford in the southeast provides a very good living environment with strong cultural , community and natural resources. It lends itself very well to food production and we are delighted to see these companies get well deserved recognition for the quality of their products.. From salmon farming, shellfish mariculture to seaweed harvesting and through support for a broad range of added value food and drink projects we assist in the development and promotion of small, medium sized and large companies. This is all being done in the context of our unique Gaeltacht Brand.”
The Gaeltacht remains an attractive option for business and exports. Recent figures from Údarás na gaeltachta reveal employment in Gaeltacht areas is an an all time high. Michael adds “At the end of 2017, there were 7,400 people employed on full time contracts and 600 on part-time in companies in Gaeltacht areas equating to 850 million in revenue, 60% of that was exported. Irish as a language is important, it remains a distinct trait and we find many companies say it provides added value, particularly those exporting.”
Tracey Carney, Organiser of the Food & Drink Business Awards, said: “With 5 companies shortlisted across multiple categories, it shines a light on the growth of industry and innovation within the Gaeltacht. The Gaeltacht is definitely on trend with gin infused seaweed from Dulaman and nourishing bread mix from Caveman Grub reflecting two of the biggest trends within the food & drink industry internationally.”
For more information please visit
http://www.awards.
