Julie Calder-Potts of Highbank Orchard is presented with a ‘highly commended’ certificate by Organic Focus chairman Mel O’Rourke and Shane McEntee, minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Proper Cider made by Cuffesgrange’s Highbank Orchards has been highly commended in the Best Organic Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Beverage category of Bord Bia’s National Organic Awards 2012. This year was the sixth year of the National Organic Awards, which take place during National Organic Week each year. Over 100 entries were received and awards were given in eight categories.
“The judges were very impressed by this high-quality organic product,” said Bord Bia food and beverage division director Tara McCarthy. “They received a well deserved result.”
“There was a real emphasis on honest, very good quality, affordable foods – foods for everyone and for everyday,” added Dr Oliver Moore, who chaired the judging panel.
“Iconic yet simple Irish staples like porridge, potatoes and pork shone alongside the vitality of vegetables, from curly kale to rainbow cherry tomatoes. Organic meat and dairy too are flourishing, with world-leading innovative companies and small new regional endeavours flying the flag. What also heartened the judges was how some companies were clearly listening to feedback and improving their packaging as well as their product ranges, year on year.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Shane McEntee, minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for food, horticulture and food safety, said: “Today’s awards honour a range of both new and veteran Irish organic food companies with an exciting range of products representing all of the main food groups. I would like to wish all of the companies continued success in bringing high quality, innovative products to market.”
Source: Kilkennypeople.ie – Highbank Highly Commended for its Organic Proper Cider
