Laois food producers shine at Great Taste Awards

Laois food producers were recognised at the Great Taste Awards, receiving top accolades by the Guide of Fine Food.

Portarlington-based ÍON Oils were awarded three Great Taste Awards. 

Now in its 31st year, Great Taste is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and specialty food and drink producers.

Great Taste stars are highly respected seals of approval. A one-star award is given to a product that is simply delicious, two-stars represent an outstanding product and three-stars are only given to products that are faultless or totally exquisite. 3-star is the highest accolade anyone can get, less than 2% of entries achieved it this year. 

Three star winners ÍON Oils are a family-run artisan food producer based in Portarlington. Andrea and Markus Milley produce eight different types of organic oils. Overall, they won three awards were for their Hazelnut, Poppy Seed and Walnut Oils.

Meanwhile Temptation Chocolates, Abbeyleix won two Great Taste Awards for their Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and Classic Hot Chocolate. The chocolates are handmade in small batches by self-taught chocolatier twin sisters, Kate & Ruth O’Hara in Abbeyleix.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said: “It’s hugely important to us at the guild to inject some positivity into the specialty food and drink industry. Given the economic headwinds that both independent retailers and small and medium producers are facing, the announcement of the 2024 crop of Great Taste stars is now an annual fillip for us all. It’s a real privilege to support and underpin independent makers through the process of Great Taste.”