Good Food Ireland launched by Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism - November 13th 2006                   << Back

Food & Accommodation from and for people who really do care.

Good Food Ireland was launched today by Mr John O' Donoghue, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism at Cruzzo Restaurant in Malahide.

Minister O' Donoghue said "Good Food Ireland will be an important contributor to the success of our entire tourism and hospitality industry which now provides 246,000 full-time and part-time jobs. With a specific Irish identity, it is ideally positioned to deliver the proposition to both overseas visitors and the ever growing number of our own people at home who are re-discovering what their country has to offer".

"I congratulate Margaret Jeffares for the pioneering work she has done and for the imagination and verve with which she has now evolved her vision to emphasise what is one of our great attractions, our fine Irish food".

Good Food Ireland is a unique marketing group, which promotes and supports like-minded members, who have real passion for their businesses and share best practices, high standards and beliefs. This unique concept for Ireland will brand and promote members as "good food" establishments, be it a B&B offering the best kind of breakfast, a restaurant or food shop offering local artisan produce or a hotel that deserves to be recognised for its good food.

Good Food Ireland's planned activities will provide a stronger and all encompassing brand presence to endorse the unique, ever-growing, Irish network. Good Food Ireland will set standards and guidelines based on collectively proven principles from within its constantly growing membership and ever-discerning public demand.

Margaret Jeffares, Managing Director, Good Food Ireland said "In a life of pace and change there is no reason why we should compromise on taste to the extent that big business would like us to do. Processed food will always be there, but for those of us who care and want good food, we need direction. To this end we have included food producers in our group and hope that by promoting them alongside our restaurants and accommodation providers there will a greater understanding and awareness of each other".

Margaret added "This understanding will generate more dialogue and consequently more production of artisan and local food, more good food in restaurants and thus more good food places to eat, making and recognising Ireland as a good food destination. This is our aim. It is a networking process, an education process and with an extensive and focused marketing plan Good Food Ireland will become the leader for all aspects of good food for the holidaymaker in Ireland".

In a very tight judging The Good Food Ireland Awards recognised all their members and singled out 18 of their 170 members, in the increasing coverage now amounting to 18 categories, including the Good Food Ireland Regional Awards, Host of the Year, Wine Person of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Wine List of the Year, B&B of the Year, Guesthouse of the Year, Hotel of the Year Country House of the Year, Locally Produced Food Supporter's Award, Café Restaurant of the Year, Pub of the Year and Restaurant of the Year. (Please see winners listing below)

Good Food Ireland is championing the cause of people with discerning palates and ensuring that they will find good, wholesome and rewarding food in all its listed outlets. Wherever possible products are locally sourced and made with an eye on seasonal cycles. They are generally simply prepared & served with genuine warmth. You'll always get more than just food.

Good Food Ireland currently has 170 members who operate throughout the 32 counties of Ireland and are ideal focal points for visitors and local populations who enjoy traveling the road to good food.