Ireland’s leading food and drink companies are set to be recognised at Bord Bia’s industry awards which will be held at the end of November.

There are many awards up for grabs:

Innovation Award

The companies shortlisted for this award have demonstrated that they are thinking ahead and proactively tracking the changing consumer landscape to develop original products and deliver solutions to meet ever-evolving consumer needs.

Export Award

This award recognises the outstanding achievement of Irish food and drink companies who continue to grow their business based on strategic planning, consumer insight and effective use of resources in overseas markets.

Entrepreneurial Award

This award recognises individuals or companies who have shown true entrepreneurial flair. It rewards commitment, leadership and self-belief, either to create a new and successful business, or to radically improve, or turn around, the performance of an existing one.

Digital Marketing Award

The companies shortlisted for this award have shown how the imaginative use of digital platforms, either on their own or in conjunction with traditional media, can strengthen brand performance and enhance the profitability of the company.

Consumer Insight Award

This award recognises businesses who have demonstrated how research and the identification of consumer insight has led to an improved or new understanding of the consumer in a particular market, leading to commercial growth.

Branding Award

The companies shortlisted for this award have demonstrated that they have differentiated themselves from competitors by using creative marketing communications, consumer insight and understanding to develop brand strategies ensuring long term success.

Looking through all the awards the mushroom industry get’s a look in with the Sustainability Award.

Sustainability Award Shortlist

The Sustainability Award recognises companies that have planned and executed significant sustainability commitments in relation to sourcing, resource efficiency, health & nutrition and contributions to their local community. The shortlist includes: ABP Food Group; Heineken Ireland; Boortmalt; Kerry Group; and Dawn Meats.

An additional sustainability award will be announced for one of the following companies who have demonstrated outstanding impact from a specific project. These include: Sam Dennigan; Monaghan Mushrooms; and Butlers Chocolate.

The overall award winners in each category will be announced at a Gala Luncheon at the RDS Concert Hall on Wednesday, 29th November 2017. For further information, visitwww.bordbia.ie/awards.

The line-up of  judges for the awards include:

John Fanning, Chairman of Bord Bia’s Brand Forum and lectures in Branding and Marketing Communications at the Smurfit Business School;

Orlaith Blaney, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Ervia;

Cera Ward, Country Director for Large Customer Sales, Ireland in Google;

Matt Dempsey, former Editor Irish Farmers Journal and Chairman of the National Newspapers of Ireland;

Heather Ann McSharry, non-executive director on the Boards of Greencore plc., CRH plc., Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc. and a Council member of the Institute of Directors;

Frank Fenn, former Managing Director of DCC Food & Beverage Ltd;

Martin Chilcott, Founder and CEO of 2degrees, the world's leading digital collaboration platform provider for sustainable business.