Derryvilla Blueberries win top foodie award

Derryvilla Blueberries, which are grown on Derryvilla Blueberry Farm in Offaly was the recipient of a distinguished award at the Irish Food Writers Guild Food Awards this week. Celebrating its 15th Year, the annual Irish Food Writers Guild (IFWG) Food Awards promotes and rewards the highest quality of produce, craftsmanship and dedication to Irish food. The IFWG Food Awards are regarded within the industry as the most reputable and indeed, most prestigious food awards in Ireland. And, with environmental issues on most company"s agendas, the Guild has introduced an Environmental Award to recognise the positive contribution specific producers are making to the environment. Derryvilla Blueberries are grown in Derryvilla Blueberry Farm. The farm is owned by John Seager and managed by Nuala O"Donoghue who explained that no pesticides are used. The delicious, naturally grown berries, the tonic and preserves are supplied directly to fruit traders and selected retailers. There is a popular 'pick your own' option and a farm gate shop and another at Farmleigh Producers Market. Blueberries are prized as a vitamin rich food. Blueberry farming is labour intensive. At the start of each year the bushes are hand pruned and the grasses cut. They flower in May and by mid-July, weather permitting, handpicking begins. The making of the Derryvilla Blueberry tonic and preserves is out-sourced to other well-known artisan food producers such as Con Traas of The Apple Farm in Clonmel and Ciara Morris of Slieve Bloom Foods. Production had steadily increased and there has been a huge growth in sales.