Tasty foods from NI producers, Finnebrogue, Forest Feast Foods, Free’ist, Just Live a Little, Mash Direct, and S’more’a’licious, in line for top national awards
Salted dark chocolate cashews, garlic and herb chipolatas, candied pecan and cranberry breakfast toppers and vanilla marshmallows are among around 20 innovative and healthier foods from five local companies shortlisted for national awards next month.
The companies – Finnebrogue in Downpatrick; Forest Feast Foods, Craigavon; Free’ist, Belfast; Just Live a Little, Craigavon; Mash Direct, Comber; and S’more’a’licious, Caledon – are among hundreds from across the UK listed in the prestigious Free From Food Awards, the only national awards dedicated to this growing category.
The shortlist this year is the biggest-ever from Northern Ireland, reflecting the innovation driving smaller and artisan food producers here.
Free From Foods are made without ingredients such as gluten, dairy, sugar, or nuts, making them suitable for people with allergies, intolerances, or other health requirements.
The awards were first launched in 2008 to highlight the need to develop specific foods for those suffering from allergies. All the products are judged by an experienced panel of food industry professionals.
Craigavon’s Kestrel Foods has the most local products in line for the top awards. The family-owned and run business has 10 products from its established and successful Forest Feast dried fruits and nuts and Just Life a Little breakfast granola brands.
These include luxury snacks such as dried mango pieces, dark chocolate-coated sour cherries and salted dark chocolate cashews.
Bronagh Clarke, Kestrel’s marketing director, is justifiably “delighted to receive such outstanding recognition of our products in this important national event that influences retailers in particular”.
The awards are recognised for supporting, promoting and actively encouraging both existing and new product development.
S’more’a’licious, an artisan producer of handmade, luxury marshmallows in Caledon, Co Armagh, is one of the smallest contenders in the awards. Laura Vogan, owner, says: “I am absolutely delighted with this recognition that will help to increase awareness of our products in Britain.”