Kildare baker Daragh O’Brien going from strength to strength

In 2022, Daragh O’Brien from Co Kildare made history as the first man to win the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by ALDI in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.

He spoke to the Leinster Leader, Kildare Live and Kildare Now about the experience.

What has winning the Aldi competition done for your business and your baked products?

Winning the National Brown Bread competition was a wonderful experience and reignited my passion for food and entering the food industry.

Previously I was part of the food academy with a brand and type of cookie I developed with SuperValu, but sadly tragedy hit my family at the time and curtailed my experience there.

So, I've always been interested in new food products and new innovated food ideas to bring to people homes.

Have you plans for expansion and where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Yes, I have many ideas in the notebook, such as a scone mix, cookie mix and different bread mixes for dietary types and many more.

I hope in 5 years, you see many of my products in every store in Ireland and that my brand is synonymous with quality at an affordable price.

For the brown bread, In 5 years I would certainly like to see this brown bread mix be a staple in peoples home. It is not only a delicious traditional brown bread, but I hope it gives people the ease and freedom to bake this in their own kitchen.

Peoples lives are busy and the standard of food throughout Ireland is second to none, this bread mix gives an award winning experience in your home as well as a simple method to create at home, add buttermilk, mix it, and bake it. No needing, no proving, no messing. Simple.

Are you solely selling to Irish markets or is there demand overseas?

As I speak to you now, it is going on sale at the start of December in all Aldi's in Ireland and it is hoped that the product will be in other stores shortly too.

I believe there is a demand of this overseas, and I aspire for my brand to be stocked beside Kerrygold Butter and Barry's tea in the USA & UK stores.

Homemade Brown Bread, Butter and Tea, who wouldn't buy that!

Do you think that the Covid-19 lockdowns has given consumers a whole new appreciation for home baked goods?

Yes, I do believe that COVID-19 encouraged a lot of new people into the kitchen - remember the banana bread craze?! But now that busy life has resumed, I hope that my bread mix will bridge the gap for those who no longer have as much time to spend in the kitchen but who still want to enjoy the taste of home baked deliciousness!