Thursday 18 May 2017

FreeFrom Food Award Winners!


We've got the winners of the FreeFrom Food Awards Ireland for you!

On Thursday 11th May 2017 there was a gorgeous free from gala dinner in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood. Unfortunately, we couldn't attend this year and I'm not going to skimp on this - I was gutted! Last year we had a great night and it's so much fun to watch the awards being given out, but, alas, it wasn't meant to be for us this year. I still got to be part of the amazing judging panel and it is always a privilege to take part. 

Without further a-do... here are all the 2017 winners



PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
BFree Foods
Sweet Potato Wrap

PRODUCT RANGE OF THE YEAR
Tesco Free From

INNOVATION
Dr. Coys
nutritional chocolate range

9 White Deer
extensive gluten-free beer range

Dan & Monstro
high vegetable content soup & sauce range

Ombar
chocolate range containing Bio live cultures for gut health

Maria Lucia Bakes
‘on the go’ pot range


Category: BARS


GOLD CAVEMAN GRUB No Grain Granola Bar

SILVER KELKIN Belgian Milk Chocolate Wafer

BRONZE FOODS OF ATHENRY Rocky Road

MERIT KELKIN Belgian Milk Chocolate Fingers

MERIT ALDI Free From Chocolate Biscuit Bar

Category: BEER


GOLD 9 WHITE DEER Stag Saor Gluten Free Stout

SILVER 9 WHITE DEER Stag Saor Gluten Free IPA

BRONZE ESTRELLA Daura Damm

MERIT 9 WHITE DEER Stag Saor Gluten Free Red Ale

Category: BEVERAGES (NON ALCOHOL)


GOLD COCO MOJO Bean

SILVER MAGIC MAYAN CHOCOLATE Hot Chocolate

BRONZE SUPERVALU Lactose Free Milk

MERIT ALDI Lactose Free Milk

Category: BISCUITS & COOKIES


GOLD FOODS OF ATHENRY Lemon & Poppyseed Cookie

SILVER TESCO Tesco Finest Free From Wheat & Gluten - White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies

SILVER ALDI Specially Selected 'HAS NO' - All Butter White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies

BRONZE BIA GANBREISE Gookies Original Cookie Dough

BRONZE BIA GANBREISE Gookies Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

MERIT GENIUS Chocolate Chip & Oat Breakfast Bakes

MERIT ALDI Specially Selected HAS NO - All Butter Quadruple Chocolate Cookies

Category: BREADS (SLICED & LOAF)


GOLD McCAMBRIDGE Soda Bread

SILVER ALDI Zilch Multiseed Loaf

BRONZE SUPERVALU Gluten Free White Loaf

MERIT PURE BRED Multiseed Loaf

Category: BREAD MIXES


GOLD ODLUMS Country Brown Mix

SILVER ODLUMS White Bread Mix

BRONZE MIDDLETON FOODS Bread & Pizza Mix

Category: BREAD PRODUCTS


GOLD BFREE Sweet Potato Wraps

SILVER RULE OF CRUMB Par Baked Baguette

BRONZE BFREE Pitta Bread

MERIT JUVELA Fresh White Rolls

Category: BREAKFAST (NON CEREAL)


GOLD HODGINS Gluten Free Black Pudding

GOLD ICELAND Glendara Gluten Free Black Pudding

GOLD CLONAKILTY Gluten Free Black Pudding

SILVER OH SO LEAN Low Fat Pork Sausage

BRONZE GENIUS Pancakes

MERIT O'FLYNNS Sage & Black Pepper Sausage

MERIT KOKO KoKo Dairy Free Original + Calcium

Category: BREAKFAST CEREALS


GOLD HOMESPUN FOODS Quinoa Crunch - Goji Berry, Cashew & Coconut

GOLD HOMESPUN FOODS Quinoa Crunch - Pecan & Cranberry

SILVER NESTLE GoFree Corn Flakes

BRONZE KELKIN Organic Buckwheat Flakes

BRONZE KELKIN Buckwheat Flakes With Apple & Apricot

MERIT SUPERVALU Gluten Free Porridge

MERIT MARIA LUCIA BAKES Porridge Pot

MERIT ALDI Gluten Free Porridge

Category: CAKES


GOLD PUREBRED Iced Tea Cakes

SILVER ALDI Raspberry Bomb

BRONZE ALDI HAS NO Coffee Cake

MERIT FOODS OF ATHENRY Chocolate Biscuit Cake

MERIT FOODS OF ATHENRY Christmas Cake

Category: CAKES (ARTISAN)


GOLD ROSALEEN'S KITCHEN Pear & Almond Tart

GOLD WILDBERRY BAKERY Orange & Almond Cake

SILVER ROSALEEN'S KITCHEN Carrot & Walnut Cake

BRONZE ROSALEEN'S KITCHEN Raspberry Muffins

Category: CAKE MIXES


GOLD ROLL IT Gluten Free All Butter Pastry

SILVER MIDDLETON FOODS Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix

BRONZE ODLUMS Gluten Free Fruit Scone Mix

Category: CATERING & FOOD SERVICE


GOLD MIDDLETON FOODS Gluten Free Double Smoke Glaze

SILVER NATURES OILS Taco Sauce

SILVER NATURES OILS Sweet Chilli Sauce

BRONZE RULE OF CRUMB Gluten Free Corn Flakes (Individual Portion Packs)

Category: CONDIMENTS DRESSINGS & MARINADES


GOLD SPICE DEVILS Twisted Creole

SILVER TASTE OF GOODNESS Honey Mustard Dressing

BRONZE MAMA NAGI'S Bengali Sweet Chilli Paste

Category: CONFECTIONERY


GOLD MIENAS Almond Coconut & Lemon Nougat

SILVER MIENAS Almond & Mixed Berries Nougat

BRONZE MIENAS Chocolate Hazelnut & Cranberry Nougat

Category: CONFECTIONERY (CHOCOLATE)


GOLD ALDI Roisin’s Dark Valencia Orange Chocolate

SILVER DR SCHAR Gluten Free Chocolate Fingers

BRONZE OMBAR Vanilla & Coconut

MERIT DR COY’S Coconut Nutritional Chocolate Bar

MERIT DR COY’S Mint Nutritional Chocolate Bar

Category: CRACKERS & CRISPBREADS


GOLD ORIGIN EARTH Crispy Bread Crackers with sesame seeds

GOLD ORIGIN EARTH Crispy Bread Crackers with caraway

SILVER FOODS OF ATHENRY Cranberry & Hazelnut Toasts

BRONZE DR SCHÄR Salty Crackers

MERIT JUVELA Chia Crispbread

Category: CRISPS & SNACKS


GOLD O'DONNELLS Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese

GOLD O'DONNELLS Cheese & Onion

SILVER KEOGHS Chorizo & Cherry Tomato

BRONZE ALDI Toffee Popcorn

Category: DESSERTS & PUDDINGS


GOLD RULE OF CRUMB Chocolate Eclairs

GOLD TESCO Free From Strawberry Ice Cream Cone

SILVER PUDOLOGY Chocolate Pudding

BRONZE TESCO Profiteroles

Category: DIPS & RELISHES


GOLD REBEL CHILLI Raspberry & Jalapeno Jelly

SILVER SOLPURO Brunch Guacamole

SILVER SOLPURO Classic Guacamole

BRONZE MAMA NAGIS Keralan Coconut Chilli Paste

MERIT SPICE DEVILS Nawty Dressing Mild

MERIT SPICE DEVILS Nawty Dressing Hot

Category: FISH PRODUCTS


GOLD DUNNES STORES Gluten Free Breaded Smoked Haddock Fillets

SILVER KILMORE QUAY KIDS Fish Fingers

BRONZE DUNNES STORES Gluten Free Breaded Hake Fillets

MERITS DUNNES STORES Gluten Free Breaded Haddock Goujons

MERITS KILMORE QUAY Lemon & Pepper Goujons

Category: FLOURS, BATTERS & MIXES


GOLD JUVELA White Mix (All Purpose)

SILVER JUVELA Fibre Mix (All Purpose)

BRONZE ODLUMS Gluten Free Pancake Mix

MERIT DOVES FARM Xanthan Gum

Category: KIDS CHOICE


GOLD BIG AL’S Gluten Free Chicken Goujons

SILVER TESCO Free From Kids Cereal Selection

BRONZE DOHERTY'S MEATS Gluten Free Cocktail Sausages

MERITS KELKIN Snack Pack Mini Milk Chocolate Rice Cakes

Category: LONG LIFE


GOLD NEW FOUND JOY Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie

SILVER JUVELA White Loaf

BRONZE NEW FOUND JOY Gluten Free Rocky Road

Category: MEAT FREE


GOLD STRONG ROOTS Kale & Quinoa Burger

SILVER ALDI Sweet Potato Pakora

BRONZE SUMMER GARDEN Vegetarian Lasange

Category: MEAT SAUSAGES


GOLD DUNNES STORES Gluten Free Sausages

SILVER MALLONS Low Fat & Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Pork Sausages

BRONZE TESCO Free From Sausages

MERIT ALDI HAS NO Gluten Free Sausages

MERIT OH SO LEAN Pork & Leek Sausages

Category: MEAT (OTHER)


GOLD DOHERTY'S MEATS Gluten Free Beef Meatballs

SILVER OH SO LEAN Steak Burger

BRONZE DOHERTY'S MEATS Gluten Free Beef Burgers

Category: PARENT’S CHOICE


GOLD PIZZADO Pizzado

SILVER PIP & PEAR Baby Ragu

BRONZE QUINOLA MOTHERGRAIN Kids’ Tex Mex

Category: POULTRY & GAME


GOLD DUNNES STORES Gluten Free Chicken Goujons

GOLD SUPERVALU Gluten Free Chicken Goujons

SILVER RULE OF CRUMB Gluten Free Chicken Goujons

BRONZE RULE OF CRUMB Gluten Free Chicken Kiev

Category: PIZZA


GOLD GOODFELLAS Gluten Free Vegetable Pizza

GOLD GOODFELLAS Gluten Free Pepperoni Pizza

SILVER WHOLE CREATIONS Gluten Free Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread

BRONZE SUPERVALU Gluten Free Pizza Bases

Category: PASTA


GOLD RISO GALLO Gluten Free Spaghetti

SILVER KELKIN Gluten Free Lasagne Sheet

BRONZE DOVES FARM Gluten Free Maize & Rice Pasta

MERIT TESCO Free From Spaghetti

MERIT TESCO Free From Maize CousCous

Category: RAW & SUPERFOODS


GOLD NUA NATURALS Turmeric Latte

SILVER QUINOLA MOTHERGRAIN Red Quinoa

BRONZE STRONG ROOTS Ripened Avocado Halves

Category: READY TO COOK


GOLD TESCO Free From Battered Onion Rings

SILVER STRONG ROOTS Oven Baked Sweet Potato

BRONZE QUINOLA MOTHERGRAIN Indian Style Quinoa

MERIT OH SO LEAN Venison Burger

MERIT MASH DIRECT Cauliflower Cheese Gratin

Category: READY TO COOK MEALS


GOLD OH SO LEAN Chicken Curry

GOLD OH SO LEAN Rice Pot

SILVER KINSALE BAY Shepherd’s Pie

SILVER KINSALE BAY Cottage Pie

BRONZE SUMMER GARDEN Beef Lasagne

MERIT TESCO Free From Instant Rice Noodle (Curry)

Category: RICE & CORN CAKES


GOLD JACOB’S Milk Chocolate Rice Cakes

SILVER KELKIN Dark Chocolate & Mint Rice Cakes

BRONZE KELKIN Caramel Rice Cake Thins

Category: SAUCES (COOKING)


GOLD SING LI Gluten Free Curry Sauce

GOLD TASTE OF GOODNESS Pepper Sauce

SILVER PEPPUP Roasted Pepper Tomato Pasta Sauce

BRONZE TESCO Free From Red Thai Curry Cooking Sauce

Category: SAUCES (POUR OVER)


GOLD TASTE OF GOODNESS Barbecue Sauce

GOLD REAL GOOD Tomato Ketchup

SILVER TASTE OF GOODNESS Secret Sauce

BRONZE TASTE OF GOODNESS Southwest Sauce

BRONZE DRAGON BRAND FOODS Southwest Sauce

MERIT TESCO Free From Tomato Ketchup

Category: SEASONAL


GOLD GRANNY’S TRADITIONAL Christmas Cheesecake

GOLD GRANNY’S TRADITIONAL Christmas Ice Cream

SILVER TESCO Tesco Finest Milk, Wheat & Gluten Free

Chocolate Easter Egg With Fondant Truffles

BRONZE TESCO Free From Milk Chocolate Easter Egg

MERIT BUTE ISLAND Wensleydale & Cranberry Sheese

MERIT ICELAND Glendarra Gluten Free Sausage Meat

Category: SOUPS


GOLD KINSALE BAY Mushroom Soup

SILVER ALDI Beetroot & Pomegranate Soup

BRONZE ALDI Tomato & Basil Soup

MERIT OH SO LEAN Smooth Country Vegetable Soup

MERIT ALDI Curried Sweet Potato Soup

Category: SUBSTITUTE, VEGAN & VEGETARIAN PRODUCTS


GOLD MASH DIRECT Sweet Potato Croquettes

SILVER BUTE ISLAND Grated Cheddar Sheese

BRONZE KOKO Dairy Free Spread

MERIT TESCO Free From Almond Milk

MERIT BUTE ISLAND Cheddar Style with Caramelised Red Onion Sheese

Category: VALUE


GOLD ICELAND Glendarra Gluten Free Sausage Meat

SILVER ALDI HAS NO White Bread

BRONZE ICELAND Glendarra Gluten Free White Pudding

BRONZE ICELAND Glendarra Gluten Free Black Pudding


Press Release

Winners Announced at Gala Presentation, Thursday 11th May

The winners of the only awards dedicated to freefrom products in Ireland are being announced at a Gala Presentation ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, on Thursday 11th May. This year sees the Awards expand to 44 categories, with 101 brands and a total of 583 products judged over 14 days. This demonstrates the continued growth of the freefrom sector, with manufacturers responding to demand, be it gluten free, dairy free, wheat free or any of the 14 allergens which limit consumer’s diets.

Whether food be medicine or lifestyle choice, the growth is driving the freefrom industry, and figures suggest that freefrom is not a fad, but here to stay. Bord Bia cite that the Irish gluten free market is worth €66 million, a 36% increase on last year. This is an extremely positive outcome for consumers who are coeliac or who have a diagnosed intolerance or allergy, needing certain foods to be available to them. The FreeFrom Food Awards looks for excellence and innovation in this industry, so that the bar is constantly raised in terms of quality, availability and affordability in freefrom foods.

The FreeFrom Food Awards took place in Ireland in 2016 for the first time and were hugely successful, with many brands benefiting from the opportunity to herald their products as award winning. Product of the Year winner, Rule of Crumb were listed in over 450 Sainsbury’s stores with their Gluten Free Profiterole.

Having originated in the UK, the Irish awards were founded by coeliac businessman, John Burke. “We are amazed at the excellence of the products that have come this year. The Awards were established to promote quality, to seek out diversity, to encourage manufacturers to bring new products to the market place. The freefrom market is advancing and we’re keen to see this continuing in the future,” says Burke. “As a coeliac of 44 years, I am thrilled to witness these changes – we’ve come a long way since unpalatable bread and plain dinners – it’s very satisfying to see the market evolve and to acknowledge those contributing to it.”

Gold, Silver and Bronze are granted, along with a Merit badge for products still considered high quality by the judges. Winners may display the relevant badge on their packaging, which helps consumers wading through the extensive freefrom sections of stores to discern which products are best. Categories are diverse from pasta to ready meals, cakes to crisps and bread products to breakfast cereals.

‘It was a great boost that our gluten-free profiteroles won the product of the year award in 2016. Since winning the awards we have received great interest from consumers and buyers. Having a winning product really helps to break into these areas,” says Colum McLornan, Director, Rule of Crumb.

Winners are announced during a 5 course gluten-free meal at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Also presented are the coveted Product of the Year, Range of the Year, Innovation, and the special Services to the Industry Award, sponsored by Juvela, which recognises contribution by individuals to the arena. Freefrom Food Awards Ireland has been established independently by John Burke, founder of GFLife.

The FreeFrom Food Awards, were started in the UK in 2007, being the only industry awards for FreeFrom foods, by FoodsMatter and FreeFrom Foods Matter. Having been a judge at the UK FreeFrom Awards for over 7 years, John adapted the awards format for an Irish setting.

***ends***

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