Traditional, but with a twist: IFWG Food Awards 2022

As the chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, it has been my honour and privilege to edit this year’s Irish IFWG Food Awards e-zine featuring the 2022 winners. It is fitting that it was launched today, International Women’s Day – there are so many strong women amongst the winners, breaking the bias and challenging stereotypes in the food world.

Congratulations to all the worthy winners. These people, all of whom produce great products with focus on sustainability, are our food heroes.

Food Award: Bread 41
Food Award: Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb
Food Award: Coolfin from Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese
Irish Drink Award: All About Kombucha
Notable contribution to Irish Food Award: Stefan Griesbach of Gannet Fishmongers
Environmental Award: Rock Farm Slane
Community Food Award: Our Table
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sally Ferns Barnes

Thanks to Guild members Jordan Mooney, Georgina Campbell, Cliodhna Prendergast, Katia Valadeau, Patrick Hanlon, Ali Dunworth and Kate Ryan for writing the text. The multitalented Cliodhna Prendergast was also responsible for our cover image. Design was by Jane Matthews, photographs and videos by Paul Sherwood and PR by Rachel Sherry.

Find the e-zine here and read our press release below:

Tradition a cornerstone of Ireland’s reputation for great food says Irish Food Writers’ Guild as bread, cheese and lamb singled out for 2022 awards

8 March 2022: “The pandemic changed the very nature of consumer behaviour and in turn, forced Ireland’s food producers to change the way in which they operated. 24 months since we first heard the term COVID-19 we are today celebrating the artisan producers and food businesses that stepped up to the plate, continued to serve communities and dug deep during the pandemic, despite all obstacles. We are recognising those who kept moving, got creative, started new ventures and found new ways of reaching their customers,” said Caroline Hennessy, Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild (IFWG), who today announced the winners of the 2022 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards.

Ireland is blessed with a thriving culinary community and the standard of the country’s artisan food produce is world-class but, as noted by the IFWG, there is one standout quality that links the 2022 winners – tradition. “Many of our 2022 winners are traditional products, but with a twist. From fishmonger to baker, cheese maker to the Galway duo who have played with the traditional Irish love of tea, innovative producers are putting their own stamp on things, creating something unique and something quite delicious,” said Caroline Hennessy.

“I believe there has never been a greater appreciation for Ireland’s food producers and the wider food community for what they have achieved over the past two years. Amid lockdowns and restrictions, so many of these businesses and producers managed to adapt to soaring demand for click and collect services, online shopping deliveries, food boxes and food trucks. In many ways, our artisan food community are heroes, bringing not just nourishment and sustenance but comfort and even joy to what was otherwise a very difficult period for so many people.”

“Passion, hard work and a can-do attitude are core values that the winners of the 2022 IFWG Food Awards have in abundance and today, the IFWG is recognising the vibrancy and resilience of the Irish food industry with the presentation of eight awards. It’s particularly fitting, as we mark International Women’s Day that awards were presented to some of the food industry’s most inspirational women.”

The winners of the 2022 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards are:

1. Food Award: Bread 41, Dublin

2. Food Award: Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb, Mayo

3. Food Award: Coolfin cheese, Galway

4. Irish Drink Award: All About Kombucha, Galway

5. Notable contribution to Irish Food Award: Stefan Griesbach of Gannet Fishmongers, Galway

6. Environmental Award: Rock Farm Slane, Meath

7. Community Food Award: Our Table, Dublin

8. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sally Ferns Barnes, Cork

Since 1993, the IFWG Food Awards have celebrated local producers and food heroes who have nourished and brought pleasure to the lives and tables of so many.

“Today we are honouring eight outstanding winners who represent what is great about the food and drink industry in 21st century Ireland. From embracing sustainability and innovation to keeping age-old traditions alive, each recipient has been singled out because they can inspire us to think outside the box, do more and do it better,” said Caroline Hennessy.

Una Fitzgibbon, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bord Bia, said: “The Food Writers’ Guild has once again chosen an impressive line-up of winners, representing a variety of sectors, for this year’s awards. The winners really encapsulate the artistry, diversity, and integrity of Irish food production and gastronomy. We are fortunate to have a rich and evolving food culture in Ireland and these awards play an important role in celebrating the people who drive this thriving industry, locally and nationally. Congratulations to all those involved in making these awards happen and, of course, to the deserving winners.”