The Irish tongue will play a huge part in this year’s Food & Drink Awards as three producers from the Donegal Gaeltacht have made the grand final.
The event which celebrates the best of manufacturing and the people behind the products, takes place in the Citywest Hotel on the 5th of September.
There’s a huge Irish influence this year with finalists from the Gaeltacht including:
• Gallagher’s Bakery
• Proiseail (An Clochan Liath) Teoranta/Irish Fish Canners
• Drioglann Shliabh Liag CGA – Seaweed GIN
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 areas provide a very good living environment with strong natural resources.
He said “It lends itself very well in food and we are delighted to get recognition. From salmon farming to seaweed harvesting we help promote companies in counties from Donegal to Waterford.”
The Gaeltacht remains an attractive option for business and exports. Recentfigures 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 fulltime contracts and 600 on part-time in companies in Gaeltacht areas equating to 850 million in revenue, 60% of that was exported. Irish is important, it remains a distinct trait and we find many companies value the Irish language, 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 internationally.”
