The National Organic Food Awards are organised biennially by Bord Bia and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. The awards recognise developments in the organic sector across 6 key categories as judged by a panel of experts. An additional award in 2016 highlights the potential of organic in the foodservice sector with a new ‘chef’s choice award’. Awards are now open for entries which will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 9th September.
Award Categories:
Best Fresh Product: To include all fresh, dairy, fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. Judging criteria will be taste, market opportunity, value for money and packaging/branding
Best Prepared Product:
To include baked goods, cereals, confectionery, grocery, snacks, chilled or frozen convenience and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Judging criteria will be taste, market opportunity, value for money and packaging/branding
Best New Product:
To include all organic products launched in the last twelve months (September 2015 to September 2016). Judging criteria will be taste, market opportunity, value for money and packaging/branding
Export Award:
To include all organic products for sale in export markets. Judging criteria will be evidence of success (sales results), ability of company to overcome export challenges and expected export growth in 2016/7.
Innovation Award:
To include all organic products available in the market at time of judging which specifically meet consumer’s changing needs. Judging criteria include evidence of consumer and/or market insight in the development of the product, packaging or service innovation and sales growth achieved to date.
Direct Selling Award:
To include all organic products being sold directly at farm gate, via box schemes, online or at food markets etc, Direct sales should represent a majority of sales turnover (≥ 51%). Judging criteria will be evidence of business growth, creativity and flair in sales, customer service approach and that direct selling represents the primary sales channel for the business.
In addition this year there is a new award Chefs’ Choice Award: To include all products currently available through Irish foodservice channels (restaurant/hotel/café/institutional catering). Judging criteria will include taste, versatility, market opportunity and value for money.
Award winners will be announced at an awards lunch on Thursday 13th October 2016 in Bord Bia Head office.
