Galway cheese and gelato makers scoop national dairy awards

It was a sweet result for Galway at the FBD National Dairy Awards, with two local artisan producers winning national honours for their cheese and gelato.

Sabanero Dairy won the Best Artisan Dairy Cheese award for its Stracciatella, while Wild Churn Gelato claimed the Best Artisan Non-Cheese Product title.

The awards were held at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on November 5, with broadcaster Ivan Yates hosting the ceremony.

Based at Westside Enterprise Centre in Galway city, Sabanero Dairy has been producing artisan cheeses since 2015.

The business has Italo-Venezuelan roots and uses locally sourced Galway milk to make its cheeses. Its winning Stracciatella is made from strands of fresh mozzarella mixed with cream.

Wild Churn Gelato, founded by Galway entrepreneur Ronan Galvin, launched earlier this year.

The business produces its small-batch gelato in Athenry using dairy ingredients from the West of Ireland and traditional Italian techniques.

Its gelato is served at The Creamery on Salthill Promenade and at Mrs Tea's Boutique and Bakery at the five-star Ashford Castle, following a recent partnership.

Founded by Agri Insider in 2023, the National Dairy Awards recognise excellence across Ireland's dairy industry, from farming and food production to sustainability and innovation.

The overall honours went to the Damer Discussion Group from Tipperary, which claimed both Dairy Discussion Group of the Year and the Overall FBD National Dairy Award.