Newry chocolate business shortlisted in prestigious awards
Newry chocolate company NearyNógs, Northern Ireland’s first and only chocolate manufacturer, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Northern Ireland heats of the Delicious Magazine Produce Awards, to be held at The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Fair on Saturday 23 June.
The prestigious awards will be judged by an adjudication team led by acclaimed TV chef and author Valentina Harris and including well-known champions of local produce, Sam Butler, Sophie Rasmussen and Peter Gott.
NearyNógs, based at Flurrybridge Enterprise Park, is shortlisted for its 72% Dominican Republic Hispaniola Chocolate Bar.
Finely crafted bean to bar chocolate, using organic and ethically sourced Cacao Beans from Dominican Republic, the product is made in small batches from cacao beans and unrefined cane sugar.
The family-owned business takes particular pride in hand sorting those beans, roasting, cracking and winnowing, then stone grinding and tempering the chocolate in a time consuming traditional process which creates the ultimate and totally authentic chocolate experience.
This will be the first time that judging has had such a public platform in Northern Ireland, and the long-established food credentials of the annual two-day Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle made it a natural choice as venue.
Speaking to Newry Times, Editor Karen Barnes said, “Delicious magazine wants to celebrate producers and artisans who are committed to quality and heritage.
“For the first time we will be judging our regional finals in front of real local foodies so they can be part of the process, see the amazing produce on offer and the difficult decisions our experts have to make to choose the national finalists. It is a serious business but a fun day out too.”
Looking forward to welcoming Delicious Magazine to the Irish Game Fair which will be held over the weekend of June 23 and 24, Albert Titterington, Director of Great Game Fairs of Ireland, said, “This year we are celebrating our ruby anniversary: forty years of Game Fairs which showcase and celebrate every aspect of country pursuits, lifestyle and heritage.
“Local produce has always been a key element of our Fairs and we are passionate about the quality and provenance of their food and drink, as are our show-goers. We know they will be as happy as we are to welcome this prestigious celebration of artisan food and drink to Shanes Castle – and to get the chance to taste, enjoy and take home some great new products.
He added, “Northern Ireland’s innovative producers deserve this national platform and we look forward to the showcased companies enjoying not only raised profile but also a welcome and well-deserved boost in business.”
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