Family-run Clare business takes home prestigious award for popular artisan product

A family-run business in County Clare was among the winners at the National Organic Awards, which took place in the Bord Bia Global Hub, Dublin.

The National Organic Awards, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country.

One of the winners on the day was the Burren Smokehouse which took home the Best Irish Organic Product Award for its Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon. 

Burren Smokehouse is an artisan smokehouse of 100% Irish organic salmon and offers experiences and educational experiences at its visitor centre. Burren Smoked Irish organic salmon comes in a variety of hot smoked and cold smoked options in sizes ranging from 90g to 1 Kg.

In addition, the producer also has a range of smoked salmon that features marinades like seaweed, honey, lemon & dill, honey whiskey & fennel. 

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Commending all of the winners, Minister of State, Pippa Hackett, said: "It’s a pleasure to see the quality, innovation and creativity happening within the organic sector in Ireland. The award-winners represent the very best of the high standard of organic food and drink production that this country has to offer. From my own experience of organic farming, I know the amount of work that goes into producing high quality organic produce but also how rewarding it is, and I want to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted for playing an important role in helping the Irish organic sector to thrive."

Ms Hackett added that Bord Bia plays a vital role in delivering market access for our premium organic product. "I’m hugely grateful for their commitment and am looking forward to their increasing investment in the organic sector," she stated. 

 Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager in Bord Bia, said: "The quality of submissions for this year's National Organic Awards was exceptionally high, and this is evident in the success of the winners. They are proof that the organic sector in Ireland is thriving, and  the dedication and hard work of our producers is key to this success."

Award Winners 

The winners were selected from a shortlist of 16 Irish companies, competing across seven categories, which were judged by a panel of industry experts.

As industry champions, they will receive a one-to-one session with Bord Bia’s Client Capability team, who will help develop a bespoke package of supports to meet individual company needs up to the value of €5,000. 

The Irish Organic Champion 2024: The overall winner of the award is Colin Keogh, from The Organic Trust, with a special recognition for the work of Sean McGloin from the National Organic Training Skillnet. 

New & Innovative Award: Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms based in county Offaly for their Shiitake and White Beach offering. 

Business in Community Award: The Urban Co-Op, from county Limerick. 

Best Irish Organic Product Award: Clare based Burren Smokehouse Ltd for the Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon. 

Direct to Consumer Award: Galway’s Green Earth Organics for their 100% Irish Farm Box. 

Best Irish Organic Export Product Award: Flahavan’s Organic Porridge 

Best Irish Organic Private Label Product Award: Wexford based Irish Country Meats, in association with Dunnes Stores, for their Organic Irish lamb centre loin chops.