Irish aisles are smiling

Donna Ahern outlines some of the heavyweight Irish contenders that deserve pride of place on shelves across the nation

Brand Central

23 October 2024

Share this post:

Ireland’s commitment to quality and innovation is truly impressive, especially in the realm of local products. The PWC Consumer Insights Pulse Survey 2023 highlights a strong preference among Irish consumers to support local, with a significant majority willing to pay a premium for domestically produced goods. This trend offers a fantastic opportunity for brands to emphasize their contribution to the Irish economy and community.

In the latest PWC consumer survey, consumers reported beginning their pre-purchasing activities by scouring the internet to gather information about a particular product or service, compare prices, read reviews and consider retailers. This was the first time consumers were asked to identify their research preferences. Similar to global counterparts, 26% of Irish consumers ranked search engines as the top source of pre-purchase information.

Following ShelfLife’s focus on standout Irish contenders will not only celebrate these brands but also encourage consumers to choose local options that reflect both quality and national pride. It’s a great time for brands to share their stories, showcase their craftsmanship, and connect with consumers who value authenticity and local impact. This alignment with consumer values can lead to increased loyalty and recognition in the marketplace.

The charm of Carroll’s of Tullamore

Carroll’s of Tullmore has a long history spanning over 45 years, producing the finest quality hams since 1979. Priding itself on going the extra mile Carroll’s of Tullmore ensures that each and every product leaving its premises passes its quality standards so that, its customers, can rest assured you are getting the finest quality product each and every time. 

A familiar household brand nationwide well-known for its cooked meats and ready meals portfolio. The charm of Carroll’s of Tullamore is the result of a combination of time-honoured practices, care, quality ingredients and a commitment to delivering the best for its customers.  

Carroll’s of Tullamore’s portfolio has expanded to meet changing consumer needs with an assortment of premium-quality deli meats, conveniently pre-packaged to cater to the preferences of today’s customers. With the strength of Sofina Foods Europe behind the brand, Carroll’s of Tullamore anticipates an exciting chapter ahead.  

Centra’s Irish food producers claim 19 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann

Dermot and Liz Skehan, Fresh Cut win Gold for their Inspired By Centra Overnight Oats as well as their Berry Coulis (Photo by Manuela Dei Grandi)

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish food awards, which took place from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 5 October in Dingle, Co Kerry.

The grocery retailer’s producers took home four Gold awards, eight Silver awards and seven Bronze awards.

Celebrating and recognising the finest Irish food and drink products, Blas na hÉireann awards are the largest blind tasting event of quality Irish products on the island, with producers nationwide competing for the prestigious accolades.

The big wins include 10 products from the Inspired by Centra range, including three Gold Awards – Inspired By Centra Berry Coulis with Yogurt and Granola and Inspired By Centra Overnight Oats, Vanilla Yoghurt with Blueberries & Strawberries both by FreshCut Food Services as well as the Inspired By Centra Cold Pressed Turmeric Shot by Sunshine Juice.

The Inspired by Centra range is ‘expertly created to bring customers a range with value in mind without compromising on taste or quality’.

Other award winners within the Inspired by Centra range include new salad ranges – Inspired by Centra Chicken & Miso Salad (bronze) and Inspired by Centra Torn Ham, Free range egg and Coleslaw salad (silver), made by the producer Deli Lites.

Key award winners from the Centra range include customer favourites such as Centra Belgian Chocolate Brownie slices by Couverture Desserts, Centra Crème Fraiche by Clona Dairy and Centra Irish rapeseed Oil by Newgrange Gold.

Speaking of the awards, Luke Hanlon, managing director, Centra, stated: “As the leading Irish convenience retailer, we take pride in offering high-quality Irish produce to our customers.

“The fact that our trusted suppliers have won 19 accolades at this year’s awards is a testament to this commitment.

“The Blas accreditation highlights the quality of Centra’s products from trusted Irish suppliers, available across our network of Centra stores nationwide.”

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, sees competition from a range of top-quality Irish producers across 32 counties.

Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery: Ireland’s oldest surviving confectionery brand 

Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery, a beloved name with Irish families, boasts a rich history that stretches back to 1882. Founded in Limerick, Cleeve’s quickly became synonymous with traditional Irish sweets, particularly its iconic toffee that was enjoyed all around the world and a variety of other treats made from the finest dairy ingredients. For generations, Cleeve’s has been a symbol of joy and nostalgia, capturing the hearts of confectionery lovers across Ireland. 

After a hiatus, Cleeve’s made a triumphant return to the market in 2018 represented by Ampersand. The reintroduction was met with widespread delight, as many loyal fans celebrated the return of family favourites like Original Toffee, Original Iced Caramels, and Cleeve’s range of chocolate bars. Since then, Ampersand have successfully reignited the brand’s heritage while embracing modern values, which included a packaging rebrand and recipe upgrade last year.  Now based in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Cleeve’s supports Irish jobs and continues to contribute to the local economy. 

Cleeve’s dedication to quality has remained steadfast throughout its history. The brand exclusively uses the finest locally sourced dairy ingredients, ensuring every product retains the rich, creamy flavour loved by generations. Additionally, Cleeve’s chocolate bars now contain 30% cocoa solids and are palm oil-free, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. 

As a member of Origin Green, Ireland’s national sustainability programme, Cleeve’s is committed to maintaining environmentally responsible practices. The brand’s recyclable packaging also displays the “Guaranteed Irish” symbol, showcasing its dedication to Irish-made produce. By buying Cleeve’s, consumers are supporting Irish brands and making better choices for their communities and Ireland as a whole. 

 Cleeve’s holds the distinction of being Ireland’s longest-surviving confectionery brand, a title worn with pride. With its timeless appeal, iconic treats, and sustainable ethos, Cleeve’s continues to bring sweetness and joy to Irish confectionery lovers, ensuring that the brand’s legacy lives on for generations to come. 

For more information visit cleevesirishconfectionery.ie or follow on Facebook and Instagram. To stock Cleeve’s products, contact your local Ampersand representative or call Ampersand on 01-4130100. 

Irish Cream Liqueurs – just got better!

Coole Swan was established in 2012, operated by Mary Sadlier and Philip Brady from their fifth-generation family farm in County Meath, at the heart of the Boyne Valley. It is meticulously crafted from single malt Irish whiskey, and rich white Belgian chocolate and their own dairy cream. This combination delivers a unique experience of smoothness and sophistication, setting Coole Swan apart from traditional cream liqueurs.  Each bottle reflects a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, supporting both the environment and local communities. As the #1 Irish cream liqueur, Coole Swan is known for its luxurious taste and innovation, enjoyed worldwide.  You can find Coole Swan nationwide in most major supermarkets, select independent stores, and off-licences. For those interested in stocking Coole Swan, feel free to reach out to Mary at mary@cooleswan.com. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and refinement, where every sip celebrates Irish heritage and exceptional quality. 

Of cask and copper

Fercullen’s celebrated Single Malt is the first Irish whiskey distilled in Co. Wicklow in over 100 years, now brought to its customers at full cask strength.   

Fercullen Single Malt Cask Strength evolved following a number of sampling events with different whiskey societies across the country. This spirit consistently received positive responses and the team at Powerscourt Distillery were confident that a Cask Strength version of Fercullen Single Malt would be a popular addition to Fercullen portfolio. A whiskey of five years of age, allows fans of Fercullen Whiskey to taste the Spirit of Wicklow in its purest form; natural colour and non-chill filtered.   

Originating from the iconic Powerscourt Estate, Fercullen aims to inspire a new legacy of whiskey-making for future generations. By combining the purest Wicklow Mountain water and locally grown barley with their expert craftsmanship, Fercullen creates a whiskey that embodies the true Spirit of Wicklow. Under the guidance of award-winning master distiller Paul Corbett, Fercullen has established itself as an unrivalled leader in Irish Single Malt.  

Fercullen strives to be recognized as the premier Irish Single Malt. Triple distilled in copper pot stills at Powerscourt Distillery and exclusively matured in ex-bourbon barrels, Fercullen allows the true nature of the spirit to shine. Drawing authentic inspiration from its unique location, this cask strength single malt whiskey exceeds expectations. Celebrate the extraordinary with every sip of Fercullen Irish whiskey.  

For those who appreciate their Single Malt, Fercullen Single Malt Cask Strength offers an even more intense experience at 56.6% ABV. Available at all good retailers, it is the ultimate expression of Single Malt excellence.  

Donegal Catch is Ireland’s number one frozen fish brand for almost 40 years 

Supporting responsible fishing practices, Donegal Catch work closely with Irish fish suppliers to source the best quality fish, fully traceable back to the boat. For Irish haddock, whiting and hake, Donegal Catch is a key stake holder in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) backed Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), which focus on improving the sustainability of Irish fisheries and procure 100% of its haddock, whiting and hake from Irish co-ops, fishermen and fisherwomen who are members of the FIPs. 

Last year, Donegal Catch launched a Fishcakes range with three delicious options – Irish Haddock Ginger & Chilli, Irish Hake Lemon & Parsley and Atlantic Salmon. Designed with busy professionals, couples and families in mind and with two portions per pack, they are perfect as a starter, for lunch or a midweek evening meal. Developed and made in Ireland using responsibly sourced fish, fluffy mashed potato and Donegal Catch’s signature golden breadcrumbs. 

Donegal Catch also launched Irish Breaded Hake Family Pack. The hake fillets are made with 100% Irish hake, responsibly caught in Irish waters and produced in Ireland. All products come in fully recyclable packaging and can be cooked from frozen, in the air fryer or oven. 

If you Keogh, you know 

100% Irish, from crop to crisp, Keogh’s have been farming the fertile land of North Country Dublin for over 200 years and are experts in growing and producing Ireland’s finest potatoes. Keogh’s are renowned for their premium quality award-winning innovative flavours, that excite and delight consumers with every bite.   

Last year, Keogh’s soared to snacking stardom with their Sweet Chilli Crisps, clinching not one but three prestigious awards; the Great Taste Award, Blas na hÉireann, and the Irish Quality Award. Building on this success, Keogh’s launched Spicy Sweet Chilli in their Crinkle Cut Range. This innovative addition caters to crinkle cut enthusiasts, promising an extra crunch and an extra kick of spice. Crafted in small batches on their farm, Keogh’s maintains its commitment to quality by using potatoes grown in their own fields, paired with the finest sunflower oil. Each batch is a testament to their dedication to local sourcing, as ingredients are carefully selected from Irish suppliers. The fusion of traditional Thai spices with locally grown Irish Sweet Chillis, courtesy of Taylor’s in Lusk, North County Dublin, creates a symphony of flavours that tantalizes the taste buds.  

Keogh’s are proud family heritage, hard work and are deeply committed to producing Ireland’s finest potatoes, crisps and snacks that are truly…Grown with Love in Ireland. íThis passion has not gone unnoticed and this year alone, Keogh’s have been the proud recipients of three Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards and two Blas na hÉireann awards.  

Lily O’Brien’s launched new Luxury Collection

Lily O’Brien’s is the largest of the Irish brands in the premium box chocolate market in Ireland and is the second largest brand overall in the total premium box chocolate category. (Source: Nielsen MAT Dec 2023).  From the bestselling decadently indulgent Desserts Collection, the Ultimate Chocolate Collection, Truffles and some exciting new products, Lily O’Brien’s has the perfect product range to suit your shoppers needs this Christmas. 

 New products are a key driver of confectionery category growth and Lily O’Brien’s are launching three new collections in Ireland to delight shoppers in search of the perfect gifts to impress friends and loved ones this festive season. 

Lily O’Brien’s are proud to launch the Luxury Collection where every bite exudes luxury and indulgence. This beautifully designed large box of 27 chocolates with 9 delicious recipes explores a world of sumptuous textures and flavours. Each chocolate is a luxurious treat to captivate the senses. From Rapturous Raspberry to Caramelised biscuit bliss, Truffle Decadence and Coffee & Biscotti this collection really is a feast for the senses. 

The much-loved Desserts Collection and the Ultimate Chocolate collection are both ranked in the top 10 chocolate collections in the premium inlaid box category (Source Nielsen MAT Dec 2023) and are must stock items for the season.  

This year the brand is introducing a large, limited-edition box of Dessert Chocolates with a seasonal twist! Each festive box contains 24 chocolates with 9 recipes including 4 new limited-edition chocolates: Berry Eton Mess, Dark Orange, Triple Chocolate Shot, Spiced Latte.  

Lily O’Brien’s are also launching a large variety box of truffles perfect for sharing with friends and family at get togethers over the festive season. The current range of 3 single flavour 200g truffle boxes will be joined in store this year by new Assorted Chocolate Truffles 337g.Each box of Assorted Truffles contains 4 delicious recipes-Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla and a new Dark chocolate truffle with a milk chocolate centre. O’ooh so delicious and the perfect addition for any occasion. 

Supported with an ATL campaign including Radio, Digital Advertising, Press, PR and impactful POS for instore display. The campaign message ‘For the ones you really know’ positions Lily O’Brien’s with consumers as the ideal gift to choose for family and friends to show how well they are known and loved. 

For a successful Christmas season and to continue to grow your sales this year make sure to stock Lily O Brien’s this Christmas Season.  All Lily O’Brien’s chocolate collections are made in Ireland, each chocolate is crafted with a commitment to quality and flavour to bring joy to all chocolate lovers.

O’Donnell’s launch a delectable new crinkle cut crisp flavour

Introducing the classic prawn cocktail crisp from O’Donnell’s

O’Donnell’s, the makers of Ireland’s best-selling hand-cooked crisp, is thrilled to introduce the latest addition to the Crinkle Cut Furrows family, Classic Prawn Cocktail Flavour. 

This delectable new flavour has been carefully crafted for your enjoyment, with each bite designed to be relished. Elevate your evenings during the colder autumnal months and unwind on the sofa with the exquisite taste of O’Donnell’s. Bring your friends together for that much-needed catch-up and delight your guests with the perfect fusion of savoury and sweet, with hints of tanginess that are guaranteed to indulge the senses.  

 The O’Donnell family hails from Seskin Farm, Co. Tipperary and has over 300 years of expertise, passed down through seven generations, perfecting the art of potato growing, yielding the finest quality hand-cooked crisps that fans of the brand have come to expect. 

The Crinkle Cut range is inspired by the deep grooves of the furrows that are ploughed on the O’Donnell’s family farm when the potato seeds are sown. The deep ridges in the crinkle cut crisp deliver even more mouth-watering flavour and satisfying crunch with every bite. 

O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows are now available in five mouth-watering flavours: Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Mature Cheddar & Red Onion. Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt and Classic Prawn Cocktail. 

 The siblings behind the brand, Ed and Kate O’Donnell said “We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Crinkle Cut Furrows range. The Classic Prawn Cocktail flavour combines sweet and savoury flavours perfectly, resulting in a true taste sensation. We are so excited for our customers to embark on this culinary journey with us, we hope they love it as much as we do.” 

As always, O’Donnells crisps are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians, with no artificial colours or flavours and no MSG/GM ingredients.  

O’Donnells Classic Prawn Cocktail flavour is available nationwide in 125g share bags for €2.99.

SuperValu Irish Producers Celebrate 102 Wins at the Prestigious 2024 Blas na hÉireann Awards 

Valentia Island Vermouth, Food Academy producers, SuperValu at Blas na hÉireann Awards 2024

Producers of SuperValu, Ireland’s largest grocery retailer, celebrated another successful year at the Blás na hÉireann awards, taking home 102 awards in recognition of their outstanding products. This brings the total number of awards won by SuperValu producers over the last three years up to an incredible 315 awards across SuperValu Own Brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes, Food Academy, The Happy Pear and Moo’d Ice-Cream. 

SuperValu’s Irish producer wins include 29 Gold, 21 Silver, and 32 Bronze awards, along with several speciality categories. These wins celebrate the exceptional quality and innovation of SuperValu’s Irish producers, showcasing the depth and variety of products proudly sourced throughout the country. 

SuperValu’s Signature Tastes and Own Brand range took home a total of 38 awards. Included in the Gold award line up was SuperValu Signature Tastes Sweet Tomato & Chilli Chutney produced by Irish producer Folláin. Folláin who took home a total of 1 Gold and 2 Bronze awards, specialise in Fresh Fruit Preserves, Marmalades, Jams, Relishes, Salsas, and Chutneys. Situated in the heart of rural West Cork, their delicious products are crafted from 100% natural ingredients. 

Food Academy producers, a cornerstone of SuperValu’s support for start-up and early-stage food and drink Irish businesses also celebrated a fantastic year, collecting an impressive 64 awards, including ‘Supreme Champion’ for Shannon Forrest and Declan Malone from Rívesci in Co. Tipperary, ‘Best Artisan Producer‘ for Valentia Island Vermouth from Co. Kerry and ‘Best Start Up‘ for Killadoon Milk from Co. Kildare. Food Academy producers also collected 3 Chef’s Larders for Coole Farm’s Mixed Leaves, Clonmore Farm’s Spinach Leaves and Roll It Pastry’s Puff Pastry. 

Baska Bakery from Co. Meath, a fifth-generation bakery and a Food Academy producer, won Gold for their Organic White Country Sourdough. They specialise in naturally leavened sourdough bread made with just flour, water, and salt. Using only organic flour, their bread undergoes a three-day fermentation process, enhancing its digestibility and giving it a unique, delicious flavour. 

Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu, said: “2024 has been another incredible year for SuperValu’s Irish Producers at the Blas na hÉireann awards, with our local Irish producers once again being recognised for their exceptional quality, range and innovation. This year SuperValu’s Irish producers took home a total of 102 awards, including 64 awards for our Food Academy producers. Supporting Irish food producers is at the heart of what we do at SuperValu and it’s fantastic to see our producers gain the recognition they deserve. We remain committed to championing the best of quality Irish food.” 

SuperValu has long championed locally, Irish-sourced food and drink, working with more than 1,800 suppliers, and this year’s wins further emphasise the variety and excellence across all categories: from meats and dairy to innovative new products. 

Now in its 17th year, the Blas na hÉireann awards remain Ireland’s most prestigious food and drink competition, showcasing the best products from across the island of Ireland. With thousands of entries across 100 food and drink categories, SuperValu’s continued success at the awards highlights the retailer’s commitment to the very best quality Irish food and drink. 

Ireland’s leading indigenous grocery brand

Tayto, Ireland’s number one crisps and snacks brand*, is also the country’s leading indigenous grocery brand**. As the market leader, Tayto consistently captures the hearts of the nation, year after year topping polls as the most missed brand by Irish expats***. This year, Tayto proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary. 

Despite its long history, Tayto remains as vital today as ever, offering a diverse range of crisps and snacks to suit every taste. Its enduring success is driven by continuous innovation and new product development that both energize the market and shape consumer trends. 

Tayto’s success is also fuelled by strategic campaigns that resonate with broad audiences across multiple platforms, combined with striking in-store activations that enhance the consumer shopping experience.

Mr. Tayto, the brand’s iconic mascot, continues to entertain fans on social media, particularly connecting with Gen Z through his popular TikTok presence. 

Looking ahead, Tayto has exciting plans to support upcoming ATL campaigns, including promoting the recently launched Tayto Cornados and the much-anticipated return of its magical Christmas advert this December. 

Through these engaging activities, Tayto remains top of mind for consumers and a staple on shopping lists. For seven decades, Tayto has been the nation’s favourite crisp, spreading joy both at home and abroad, alongside its beloved mascot, Mr. Tayto. Tayto—the Original Irish Crisp, since 1954. 

**Checkouts Top 100 FMCG brands 2024 

***Annual Brand Preferences Amongst the Diaspora study, undertaken by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of Checkout magazine.

Discover The Busker small batch double aged collection

The Busker Small Batch Whiskeys are double matured by using a limited number of casks accurately selected by the team in Royal Oak Distillery, Co. Carlow. These exclusive releases are the best expression of what the Royal Oak Distillery has to offer within the Premium category. 

The first in this collection was released in late 2023, is the multi award-winning Single Pot Still Small Batch. Double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve the taste and aromas. Tasting Notes include fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, prunes and figs, warming spice ginger & cinnamon. Long, smooth and mellow finish. On the nose, the Single Pot Still gives leathery, profoundly rich, complex, robust, fresh pipe tobacco, aromatic, rounded and perfectly balanced aromas. Best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks.  

The Small Batch Single Pot Still has won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, Silver at the World Whiskey Awards 2024, and 93 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023.  

With a new take on the packaging side, the Small Batch Single Pot Still is corked, and has the Royal Oak Distillery embedded into the glass, this new look will be what we see for the Busker Premium Single range later this year. 

The Busker is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. 

Aldi celebrates 40 wins at Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards

Aldi and its team of Irish suppliers and producers enjoyed success at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, walking away with 40 awards across multiple categories, including 15 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 13 bronze medals.

The extremely competitive and renowned food awards were presented on 4 October at a ceremony in Dingle, Co. Kerry, where the very best of Irish food was on display.

Standout winners

Among the standout winners was the Specially Selected Irish Wagyu Rib Eye Joint with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper Infused Beef Marrow, which was awarded a prestigious gold medal in the Beef- Roast category. This product is produced exclusively for Aldi by ABP Cahir.

This year, Aldi’s gold medal-winning products were produced by Oakpark Foods, ABP Cahir, Silverhill Duck, IGWT, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Crust & Crumb Ltd, O’Haras Bakery, Folláin, and CPAC Foods to name a few – highly valued Irish suppliers whom Aldi is proud to collaborate with all year round.

At Aldi, we are proud to partner with producers up and down the country to deliver the very best quality Irish produce to our customers,” said Colin Breslin, managing director, Buying & Services, Aldi Ireland.

On behalf of everyone at Aldi, Breslin congratulated its suppliers and buying teams on this fantastic achievement.

Read more: From Ireland with love!

Share this post: