Armagh Ciders '˜sparkle' at awards

Among the five accolades for MacIvors were the titles of Best in Ulster, Best in Armagh and Best Artisan.

Armagh Cider Company Ltd came away with a Gold award for their Summer Fruit Cider and two bronze awards for their craft and Maddens Mellow ciders.

Both companies were up against 2500 food and drink entries from across Ireland.

The Blas awards, now in their 9th year, are the biggest blind tasting of produce in Ireland and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself is recognised as an international industry standard.

Helen Troughton, Owner of Armagh Cider Company Ltd said: “We are delighted that our products continue to be recognised as some of the best in Ireland.

“We are fortunate in the Orchard County to have fantastic produce including the Armagh Bramley Apple PGI, which we’re putting to good use. It’s lovely to have your hard work recognised with such a prestigious award.”

The two companies weren’t the only ones from the Food Heartland area to come home with awards.

L’Artisan Foods in Craigavon won Bronze for their Portuguese custard Natas.

White’s Oats clinched two titles in the breakfast cereals category and Burren Balsamics won the Best in Farmers Market gold award for their produce.

The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area won a total of 13 awards.

The council set up the Food Heartland initiative to promote the area’s produce earlier this year. With these accolades just the latest in a series of awards, it shows that food really is at the heart of this ‘Food Heartland’.