It was announced today that the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards are now open for entry.

Judging will take place over four weeks in June and July at the Dublin Institute of Technology’s School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology. The results will be announced at a sumptuous gala dinner on October 26th at a new venue - Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

All retailers, food producers and manufacturers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to enter products for the chance to achieve industry acclaim.
 
The awards now include The Irish Quality Food Awards – products for the multiple and independent grocery retail market and the Irish Quality Drink Awards – alcoholic drinks for the retail sector. New this year are the Irish Foodservice Awards, to recognise excellence in the food service sector and the Irish Good Choice! Awards for the ever growing healthier options categories.

Organised by Metropolis Business Media, Publishing Director Helen Lyons says, "We are very excited about the introduction of the Food Hero Award.  You may have a superb development chef or someone in your innovation department who has done exceptional work this past year. Perhaps it is a producer or grower whose quality is undeniable and who never lets you down? Maybe it is someone who shines brightly in distribution or operations, but is only recognised as a superstar within your own business?"

She added, "We know the Irish food market has huge talent within it and this award allows you to put forward your heroes for industry-wide recognition of their passion, drive and enthusiasm. The judges will look at how much of an impact the person has made to the business, not just in terms of financial impact but also in commitment to delivering the business’s strategic goals."

Source: www.businessworld.ie