With innovative and high quality products, ranges and collaborations consistently appearing on the market, there’s never been a better time to buy Irish
Do you regularly say you’re going to buy more Irish produce only to find yourself racing around the supermarket aisles, grabbing whatever’s handiest?
You’re not alone and actually, many other consumers agree that they would buy more Irish products if the labelling was clearer – showing, for example, where they are made or where the ingredients were sourced.
Guaranteed Irish Food and Drink Month is taking place this month – it’s an annual event with a wide range of food-focused activities taking place, including events, podcasts, and promotions – all supporting Irish food and drink producers while encouraging consumers to buy Irish. To find out more about it, follow them on Instagram for regular updates.
In the meantime, here are some fantastic products, menus and ventures that have launched this summer:
Sons of Butchers’ plant-based cheese range
Galway-based Sons of Butchers, the fourth-generation master butchers turned plant-based foodie masterminds, have launched a new plant-based cheese range. Swapping herds for herbs in 2021, they began developing plant-based meat alternatives and their latest range may just be our favourite – for the names alone.
‘Chedda Cheats’ slices and grated ‘Notzarella’ are suitable for vegans and anyone looking to reduce their dairy intake without compromising on the traditional texture and taste of traditional cheese.
Bkultured Water Kefir
If you want to swerve sugar-laden soft drinks, there’s now a healthier alternative to quench your thirst; BKultured Water Kefir – the Irish fermented sparkling drink that’s equal parts refreshment and gut-loving goodness.
Created by serial food entrepreneur Niamh Hegarty and produced on her family’s coastal farm in Ballycroneen, East Cork, BKultured is made with all-organic ingredients through a 72-hour natural fermentation process. Niamh’s secret ingredients include her own kefir culture and water from her family’s well.
Bakestone Café & Pantry’s new coffee blend
Are you always on the lookout for incredible coffee?
To mark ten years of Bakestone Café & Pantry, the company announced a very special partnership with Badger & Dodo and launched a new, exclusive house coffee blend called Common Grounds. This exclusive coffee blend only available to Bakestone, consists of washed Peruvian and natural Ethiopian beans that boast flavours of vanilla, milk chocolate and orange.
Common Grounds is available at Bakestone Café & Pantry, Fota Retail Park in Carrigtwohill, County Cork and Bakestone @ Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Fota Island also in Carrigtwohill, or buy online at bakestone.ie
Aldi’s new gin
Are you looking for a flavoured gin to enhance your summer cocktails? If so, Aldi has teamed up with Monaghan-based Old Carrick Mill Distillery to introduce an exclusive small batch of Irish gin to 155 stores nationwide. “Mo Chara” Passionfruit and Mango, is distilled using a range of botanicals including passionfruit, mango, juniper, lemon, lime, coriander and angelica root.
The gin pairs wonderfully with any premium tonic water and makes the most amazing martini – simply complement with half a passionfruit or a slice of mango.
Hayfield Manor’s new cocktail bar
Hayfield Manor has opened a new cocktail bar called “Bloom” in the hotel’s gardens. The bar, which is made entirely of glass, offers a luxurious escape in the midst of the hotels manicured gardens. Situated in the stunning courtyard, Bloom has retractable walls and ceiling, and promises a breath of fresh air for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bloom at Hayfield Manor is now open Thursday through Sunday from 11.00am-9.00pm.
Dead Centre Brewing’s new soft drink venture
Do you ever crave a fizzy drink but talk yourself out of it because you think you should get a healthier alternative? Well, now you can indulge that craving thanks to a handmade lemonade by Dead Centre Brewing’s new venture The Irish Craft Soda Co.
Crafted from just four quality natural components – carbonated water, pure lemon juice, sugar, and citric acid – the select list of ingredients may be small, but the zingy lemonade certainly delivers big on flavour. And, unlike other sodas, it’s completely free from nasties like sulphites, preservatives, and flavour or colour enhancers.
The Westbury’s new cocktail menu
Inspired by the hedonism and glamour of the roaring 1920s, The Sidecar at the Westbury has created a new cocktail menu entitled, “The Human Zoo”. It features 16 expertly created new cocktails, alongside quotes from some of the era’s most notable social commentators and the iconic works of 1920s illustrator Anne Harriet Fish.
The combined effect brings guests back in time to celebrate and experience a night reminiscent of one of the 20th century’s most glamorous periods.
Boyne Valley Food Series 10th anniversary
Less of a product launch and more of a celebration of lots of Irish products, the Boyne Valley Food Series is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a calendar full of immersive food events which celebrate our land, our heritage, our people and our produce.
June and July will see a packed calendar in the Boyne Valley Food Series with events including Taste of the Estate – a Food and Wine Pairing in Tankardstown House, Boann Summer Solstice Single Pot Still Whiskey Tasting, Taste of the Movies at the Vanilla Pod, Mill & Bread Baking Experience at Martry Mill, The Story of Honey at Beewise and more.
For information on all Boyne Valley Food Series events, visit boynevalleyflavours.ie.
