Kilkenny butchers wins 'Oscars' of the food world!

A Kilkenny butchers has been awarded a star in the 'Oscars' of the food world - the Great Taste Awards.

At the world’s most coveted food and drink awards, the Great Taste Awards 2024, several members of the Irish Butchers’ Guild have been honoured, showcasing their exceptional talent and commitment to quality. These independent butchers from across Ireland are celebrated for their innovative spirit and craftsmanship.

Kilkenny's Jon Brown and the team at Grogan & Brown Artisan Butchers were among those who received honours, winning a 1-star award for their delicious black pudding.

Jon Brown shared his excitement, stating, “Receiving a 1-star award for our Black Pudding is a fantastic recognition of our dedication to quality and tradition.”

Guild member B. Molloy Master Butchers, based in Ennis, Co. Clare (pictured above) achieved remarkable success with a 3-star award for their Dry Aged T-Bone Steak. They also received a 1-star award for their Dry Aged Striploin Steak and their locally sourced Rack of Clare Lamb.  “Winning a 3-star is an enormous achievement for our business,” said Derek Molloy.

Tipperary butchers also featured prominently in this year’s awards. Walsh’s Gourmet Butcher from Clonmel won five awards, including 2-star awards for their Dry Aged Ribeye Steak and Smoky Pork & Apple Burger. They also secured 1-star awards for their Pork, Chorizo & Mozzarella Burger, Lamb, Feta & Spinach Burger, and Stout & Cheese Beef Burger.

Owner Kevin Walsh remarked, “This recognition from Great Taste is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.” Cashel based Cashel Fine Foods t/a The Butchers Daughter was also honoured with a 1-star Award for their Traditional Handcrafted Irish Pork Sausage.

The Great Taste Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the food world, are renowned for their rigorous judging process, where taste is paramount. In total, 13,672 products were put through the competition’s rigorous blind judging process; 3,938 products were awarded a Great Taste 1-star – ‘food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour’, 1,386 were awarded a Great Taste 2-star – ‘above and beyond delicious’, and 266 were awarded a Great Taste 3-star – ‘extraordinarily tasty’.

The Irish Butchers’ Guild is a collective of the best butchers on the island of Ireland; north and south. Members of the Guild are highly motivated and passionate independent butchers and meat experts, dedicated to delivering uncompromising quality, craftsmanship and innovation. Members share a deep commitment to upholding their craft, to the quality and provenance of their products and to the pursuit of excellence in their businesses.