BFree Foods Wins Prestigious Irish Innovation Award
BFree Foods has underlined its reputation as an industry leader by claiming a major prize at The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards 2015. The company won the Best North/South Collaborative Innovation Award.
BFree was nominated for the development of a new allergen-free fajita kit manufactured in conjunction with Evron Foods based in Co. Armagh.
The innovation came about as a result of discussions with the Coeliac Society of Ireland. After carrying out some market research BFree decided to branch out from bakery to create the world’s first allergen free fajita kit. The new kit which provides a meal for a family of six at just 127 calories per serving has proved an instant success with BFree’s existing customers including all the multiples in Ireland as well as Asda and Tesco in the UK.
The aim of the awards, which are now in their sixth year, is to showcase and reward excellence in innovation across a range of products and services all over the island of Ireland. The ceremony was attended by over 220 guests, including the Northern Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster.
InterTradeIreland Strategy and Policy Director Aidan Gough comments: “Across all sectors, innovation gives companies a competitive advantage and opens up new opportunities for them. We know that innovative companies generate growth and create jobs and that is why it is so important to foster a culture of constant innovation. We look forward to following the future success not just of our winners, but all of the nominees and the pioneering companies which entered the competition.”
Michael McAleer, Innovation Editor, at The Irish Times, says: “Year after year, it’s tremendous to witness firsthand the creativity, the skills and the dedication which all the nominated companies bring to their endeavours. This year was no different and the Awards provided a wonderful showcase for our innovators and their wide range of groundbreaking products from all over the island of Ireland. Many of these companies will no doubt go on to become industry leaders.”
For more information on all the winners or to view all the shortlisted videos, please visit www.irishtimes.com/blogs/innovation-awards
CAPTION:
Pictured at the Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards Ceremony 2015 at Belfast City Hall was Thomas Hunter McGowan, CEO of InterTradeIreland, presenting category winner to Freya Ivory from Bfree Foods . Picture Conor McCabe.
