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06 Sept 2025

Clare food producers come out on top for major food awards

Fergal and Sally Smith of Moy Hill Farm in Lahinch and Irish Seed Savers from Scarriff won big at the Irish Food Writer's Guild Food Awards

Clare food producers come out on top for major food awards

Fergal and Sally Smith of Moy Hill Farm in Lahinch and Irish Seed Savers from Scarriff won big at the Irish Food Writer's Guild Food Awards

A number of food producers from Clare enjoyed success at the 32nd Irish Food Writer's Guild (IFWG) Food Awards which took place during the week.

There was excitement as the winners were announced with sustainability and ethical food production a common thread. The Awards ceremony also touched on the issue of greenwashing and food waste which the IFWG says are more pervasive than consumers realise.

Speaking at the presentation of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards, Paula McIntyre, Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild (IFWG) said: "When sustainability is merely used as a marketing tactic, consumers are misled, and the credibility and reputation of true sustainable producers is undermined."
Ms McIntyre continued: "Greenwashing has infiltrated the food and drinks sector in ways many of us don’t even realise. Offending brands use vague buzzwords, deceptive green packaging, and even dubious certifications to take advantage of consumers’ efforts to shop and eat more sustainably - without making any real environmental impact.
"Meanwhile, truly sustainable Irish producers work tirelessly to uphold the highest ethical and environmental standards, often without the recognition or support they deserve."
A local organic farmer and Irish seed conservation organisation based in Scarriff won two awards.
Fergal and Sally Smith of Moy Hill Farm in Lahinch were singled out for one of just eight awards presented this year by the Irish Food Writers’ Guild for their Notable Contribution to Irish Food.
Meanwhile, Irish Seed Savers, based in Scarriff, was awarded this year’s Community Food Award for its tireless work to conserve Ireland’s food crop heritage and ensuring the protection of genetic diversity in Ireland’s food systems.
Speaking on the chosen winners, Ms McIntyre said: “For more than three decades the IFWG has been spotlighting many of these outstanding producers, with sustainability a consistent thread linking our annual award winners. And this year is no different.
"Now in their 32nd year and with no applications or submissions allowed, all eight winners of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards were chosen based solely on quality, integrity, and a commitment to genuine sustainable practices."

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