Take a look at some exciting new products and initiatives in the food and drink industry

It’s good news for food fans and wine connoisseurs! The last year has been difficult for the food and drink industry in more ways than one. Restaurants have largely been shut, and takeaway was king. But the industry has bounced back in a big way, with plenty of new things to try. Check out some of the latest additions to the industry’s menu, with everything from Guinness to ghosts.
Eight Degrees of separation
Eight Degrees Brewing’s Seisiún IPA and Sunburnt Irish Red Ale won Best in Ireland at this year’s World Beer Awards. Seisiún IPA took the win in the session category while Sunburnt Irish Red Ale was the winner in the amber category. The two drinks will progress into the next stage, going up against drinks from all over the world! Results are to be announced on September 9th.
National Red Wine Day
With red wine a proven asset to our health (in moderation!), it’s only fair it has a day of celebration. Aldi, already the home of award-winning reds, launches their Winter Wine collection on September 6th. Even better, it includes 15 gorgeous reds, from Shiraz to Chianti. The new range is available in-store soon.
Cooking up a storm
If you got accustomed to the home meal kit life during lockdown, there’s no need to say goodbye to it yet! The Chef Supper Club is ongoing, allowing you to virtually transport expert chefs into your own kitchen. With high-quality food ingredients in a high-production experience, you’ll feel like you’re in the country’s best restaurant. Tickets for a meal for two start at €120, with events in October featuring Mike Tweedy and Killian Crowley.
Baking bad
Galway’s JP McMahon and Eoin Cluskey of Bread41 are teaming up to bring us a batch made in heaven. The croissants and pain au chocolats, featuring milled dillisk from Connemara, are on sale in both Tartare in Galway and Bread41 on Dublin’s Pearse Street. The products mark the first in a series from the artisan bakery and the Galway café and wine bar, with more flavours of the west coming soon.
New plates
Donnybrook’s Le Comptoir has launched a new autumn menu and opening hours in the coming months. This relaxed and bright French-style eatery is now open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with new Early Bird and children’s menus on offer for both indoor and outdoor dining. Their menu boasts a range of delicious French dishes from Fillet Mignon to Crevettes. Bon appetit!
A pint of plain, please
You no longer have to decide between a round of desserts or another round of pints. Robert Bullock, baker and founder of Le Patissier, has collaborated with Guinness Storehouse to produce a range of dreamy desserts. Top tip: try the Guinness Chocolate Cremeux, which is inspired by the malty sweetness of a Guinness.
Ghosted
Ireland’s beloved Banshee Bones are back on shelves for good! After a successful limited edition launch last year, Tayto decided not to let a good thing die, and so Banshee Bones are available all year round in a 42g bag, for 95c. Now that’s hauntingly good.
If you’re looking for more and drink, make sure to check out the Irish Made Award finalists and vote for your favourite!