Kilree Farmhouse Cheese, a homemade goat’s cheese, wowed the judges—an esteemed panel of cheese experts, food writers, chefs and culinary figures. Commenting on the award, Helen said: “For us, this event is huge. It just opens the door to the UK market and allows us to trade to independents and big supermarkets. We anticipate that the cheese will be available for the Christmas market. It’s amazing how many people love cheese. This is a real celebration for cheese-making.”
A record total of 905 cheeses were entered into this year’s British Cheese Awards. Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese has been making cheese since 2004 in Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny. Their Kilree Goats cheese was part of the cheeseboard served to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the State Banquet held in Dublin Castle earlier this year.
The quality and innovation of Irish farmhouse cheese was further recognised with over 30 additional Irish cheeses enjoying success at what is commonly known as the “Oscars” of the dairy world.
Minister Coveney applauded Helen Finnegan’s success: “I am extremely proud of the recognition of the new Kilree Goats cheese from Knockdrinna. I hope that this recognition will successfully launch your products into new retailers and suppliers,” he said.
Minister Coveney added that: “In Ireland, each cheese is unique to each producer, allowing for innovation and creativity. The defining characteristic for Irish farmhouse cheese however, is its authenticity. Producers draw on milk from grassland farming and the cheese is hand-crafted and delivers on taste every time.” The Minister was also delighted that a further 30 Irish cheeses enjoyed success at the awards.
The production of farmhouse cheese in Ireland has experienced a revival in recent years, and Ireland now has some 50 farmhouse cheese-makers, with an estimated turnover of 12 million euro in Artisan and specialty foods. Seeking out local food experiences has also risen on the agenda of visiting tourists, with the market for food tourism in Ireland now valued at 2.2 billion euro.
Irish farmhouse cheese plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of Ireland’s artisan dairy sector. From its beginnings only 30 years ago, the sector has grown to encompass 47 producers and over 127 individual cheese types. The sheer breadth of cheese produced reflects the innovation and ingenuity these entrepreneurs offer.
Speaking at the SHOP exhibition in the RDS in Dublin, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee TD, paid tribute to the drive and determination of all of those involved in the sector. “Food Harvest 2020 targets a 50 per cent increase in growth in dairy production over the next decade. High quality cheese will be a critical component of the product mix for this expanded production, and I want to compliment both our large dairy processors and our smaller artisan cheese producers for helping to raise the profile of Irish cheese and the Irish food sector generally through their effort and innovation over the years. Many of our cheese brands have become synonymous with good taste and high quality, and this is the space in which the Irish food sector needs to be.”
“The farmhouse cheese sector is a perfect example of what can be achieved when small producers put their energy and imagination into developing their enterprises. The sector has been leading the way in terms of growth in the artisan food production sector. It capitalises on the enthusiasm of individuals who turn their passion into smart business and is among the best examples of turning our best traditions into modern sustainable business propositions,” said Minister McEntee.
