HELD this week in the plush surroundings of the Shelbourne Hotel on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, the Good Food Ireland Conference was held as an all day event that preceded the Good Food Ireland Awards 2011. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar T.D. officially opened the conference this Tuesday announcing Erik Wolf Founder & Association President and CEO of the International Culinary Tourism Association as key note speaker, Mairead Lavery Editor at Irish Country Living the magazine inside the Irish Farmer’s Journal chaired the conference that included an exciting array of speakers.
The theme of the Conference this year was “Internationalising Irishness- What is Real Irish Food?” Does it have a relevance in the modern world? How can we harness it in a way that means something? In an age when words are often scattered liberally – seasonal, local, artisan – with little real adherence to core values, when marketing speak drives perception into reality, how do you realise difference? When the public is often confused, when knowledge is scarce, what and how do you deliver something that is truly unique, truly Irish? And what value is there in this approach? Internationalising Irishness looks at what, how and why a sense of place is crucial in driving difference into a sea of sameness. Relating to the awards held, Margaret Jeffares, founder and MD of Good Food Ireland said; “The Good Food Ireland awards look to champion and celebrate those within the group whose approach, activity and outcomes shine over others. Winners are leading examples to all other businesses in the food and tourism industries that want to increase their customer base through positioning their business as a food tourism product or that want to diversify and innovate through marketing or product development. “Good Food Ireland has made a significant contribution in promoting Ireland as a destination for good food internationally. I would like to congratulate Margaret Jeffares and the membership of Good Food Ireland for the economic benefit they generate through their businesses’ every day, with their local food philosophy”, said An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.
Limerick businesses shortlisted in the awards finals included:
Good Food Ireland Food Lover’s Choice Award Dunraven Arms Hotel, Co Limerick
This award is selected by public users of Good Food Ireland as their overall favourite food destination.
Good Food Ireland Food Producer of the Year Pónaire, Limerick
This award is in recognition of a producer that reflects their terroir, work with the constraints but also celebrate the possibility modern techniques bring.
