15 August 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Helena Hickey, Skeaghanore, West Cork Duck, Ballydehob, Co.Cork.
Picture by Shane O’Neill
The Dunnes Stores Simply Better collection was once again recognised on an international stage as the brand took home 34 awards at the prestigious 2019 International Great Taste Awards, which are considered the “Oscars” of the food industry. Winning a coveted 2 Star Award for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better West Cork Irish Smoked Duck Breast and 1 Star for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better West Cork Confit Duck Legs, both produced by Skeaghanore Farm in Ballydehob, West Cork, exclusively for the Simply Better Collection.
Established in 1994, the Great Taste Awards are internationally recognised as the benchmark for fine food and drink and are one of the most respected awards in the world. This year almost 13,000 products were blind-tasted by a panel of over 500 industry experts, including acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs and food critics, to find the best tasting entries.
The Simply Better Collection, which is Dunnes Stores’ premium food brand, is one of the most
celebrated food labels in Ireland and has been awarded 135 Great Taste Awards since it was established in 2013.
Diarmuid Murphy, Simply Better Brand Manager, said, “We are delighted to work with Eugene and Helena Hickey from Skeaghanore Farm, to source our Simply Better West Cork Irish Smoked Duck Breast and Simply Better West Cork Confit Duck Legs and we are thrilled for these fantastic products to be recognised internationally through these awards. We are so lucky to work with such amazing producers, developing award winning products that are consistent and internationally recognised for their quality. Many of our award winners are new to the collection and this is really exciting for us. Feedback on these new additions from our customers throughout the country has been phenomenal and we are thrilled that the Great Taste judges agree.”
Speaking about their win, Helena Hickey from Skeaghanore Duck Farm , said, “To be recognised with such a prestigious Great Taste Award is a dream come true, and something that would not have been possible for a small producer like ourselves without the support of the Simply Better team. We are proud to collaborate with people who are as passionate about quality Irish food as we are. The collaboration has opened up so many doors for us, allowing our business to grow and has given us the opportunity to share our quality products with customers across Ireland.”
