FreeFrom Food Awards 2024
Winners Announced at Gala Presentation, Friday 1st November
The FreeFrom Food Awards Ireland 2024 Presentations took place on Friday 1st November, with over 40 categories announced at a gala ceremony which marked the 9th year of the awards, at The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin.
“We are extremely proud of all the entrants into the Awards this year but of course, most proud of the winners, who have really brought the level up another notch for
FreeFrom consumers, once again,” says John Burke, founder of the FreeFrom Food Awards Ireland (FFFAI). “There is something for everyone on this year’s winner’s list and it makes life easier for families and consumers searching for foods to meet specific dietary needs, knowing that all of these products have been through a judging process and are considered the best of the market.”
Judging took place over three weeks in September, with over 500 entries tasted by FFFAI panels. “Our judges, some who have been with us for nine years now, are excellent at what they do, not just looking at whether they like something, but also reviewing what it does for the FreeFrom consumer, is it free of more than one allergen, is it innovative and how they can encourage and motivate producers to keep doing what they are doing. We want to see ongoing development, growth and technical excellence from the manufacturers and to reward that when we recognise it.”
The FreeFrom Food Awards assembles judging panels from various backgrounds, including coeliacs, dietitians, parents of freefrom children, nutritionists, chefs, bakers and bloggers. “We have developed our own community of FreeFrom judges, who greet each other as friends each year. It is in essence, an element of support for those navigating the FreeFrom world. Every year we welcome new judges as well, with ongoing diagnosis of new coeliacs and intolerances with more awareness than ever among the medical profession in dealing with such conditions,” Burke says. “I’ve been diagnosed since the 1970s and yet still we hear stories of coeliacs spending years seeking an official diagnosis. FreeFrom food is our medicine and we want to make sure everyone has access and knowledge of what they need.”
With entries from the 32 counties the growth of the freefrom area continues in Ireland, as manufacturers respond to gluten free, dairy free and wheat free among the 14 allergens which limit consumer’s diets.
Product of the Year was awarded to Juvela, for their new Gluten Free Indian Flatbread, which was voted as incredible by judges, with a perfect balance of spice and flavour.
Other awards given included the FreeFrom Champion Award, sponsored by Juvela, a stalwart freefrom supplier for many years. “This year’s FreeFrom Champion is awarded to the couple behind Rosie & Jim’s, the family business that provides Gluten Free Chicken Products for All, marking inroads in the mainstream market, while supplying high quality, chicken fillet products, while continuing to innovate and expand their range, year after year,” says Anna Marsden, of Juvela. “We are delighted to sponsor an award that recognises people within the freefrom industry.”
Speaking about the win for Rosie & Jim, John Burke says, “Their motto, Gluten Free Chicken Products For Everyone, along with constant innovation and the success of their family run business, is a testament to Rosie and Jimmy McLoughlin. Their determination to provide high quality gluten-free foods appealing to FreeFrom consumers and the mainstream market, ensures everyone in the household feels included.”
Product Range of the Year went to Promise Gluten Free. “This is a company who has taken gluten free bread to the next level, in terms of freshness, taste and diversity. They have a fantastic range of baked goods, and our judges absolutely love the quality and consistency they bring each year,” says John Burke.
Retailer of the Year went to Aldi, for the fourth year running, for their consistency in store, across quality and price and for variety so that consumers continue to be excited going into stores.
Innovation awards went to Mór Taste for their Tiger Treat Spread; the Happy Pear for their Dip & Snack Happy Hummus Range and to The Plant-It Food Co. for their Ready Meal Range. The Value Range of the Year was awarded for the second time to SuperValu’s Sauce Range for their readily available, great tasting and excellent value sauces.
Kids’ Choice, which is voted for by a panel of kid judges, gave gold to O’Donnells for their Furrows Irish Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt Crisps and silver to Koka for their Silk Gluten Free Instant Rice Fettucine Curry Flavour. Silver also went to O’Donnells for their Furrows Sour Cream & Onion Crisps and a bronze to Juvela for their Gluten Free Flakes with Berries. The Parent’s Choice gold was won by Rosie & Jim, with two products receiving awards, their new Battered Chicken Schnitzel and their Chilled Chicken Schnitzel.
The Lisa Acton Memorial Award for Small Producer of the Year, was granted in memory of the late co-founder of the Awards, who was known for her passion for small producers. This went to Kinsale Bay Food Company, a small business who produce excellent quality foods that taste of home.
“Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted this year, or who won a coveted FFFA badge to display on their products,” says John Burke. “Our team includes coeliacs and a diabetic and our judging panels are filled with people who either live with an intolerance or allergy, or who support family members with this. Or have a professional interest, which is also important.”
The FreeFrom Food Awards took place in Ireland in 2016 for the first time, with many brands benefiting from the opportunity to herald their products as award winning.
Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are granted, along with a Merit badge for products still considered high quality by the judges. Winners may display the relevant badge on their packaging, which helps consumers wading through freefrom sections to discern which products are best. Categories are diverse from pasta to ready meals, cakes to crisps and bread products to breakfast cereals.
FreeFrom Food Awards Winner’s List 2024
Freefrom Food Awards Ireland was established independently by John Burke, founder of GFLife. The FreeFrom Food Awards, started in the UK in 2007, being the only industry awards for FreeFrom foods, by FoodsMatter and FreeFrom Foods Matter. Having been a judge at the UK FreeFrom Food Awards for over 7 years, John adapted the awards format for an Irish setting. This is the ninth year of the awards in Ireland.
For further information:
Contact johnb@fffa.ie | emma@expresspr.ie
