Killyleagh Butcher Brings Home The Bacon From Taste Awards

Each food is judged by top food critics and buyers. Alfie won three gold stars for his Green Leaf Ulster Lamb Leg; three stars for Alfie’s Green Leaf Ulster Boneless Lamb Loin; two Stars for Rib Eye Steak 10oz; one Star for 10oz Chump Steak; one Star for Beef Sausage with Cracked Black Pepper; and one Star for Pork Sausage with Garlic. [caption id="attachment_27869" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Killyleagh butchers Alfie Murray Jnr with his father Alfie Murray Snr celebrate the success at the Great Taste Awards with Down District Council Economic Development Manager David Patterson, and Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran."][/caption] This achievement is all the more outstanding as Alfie Murray is one of only two companies, and the only butcher in Northern Ireland, to have be awarded three gold stars for two of his products in these national awards. A delighted Alfie Murray was not mincing his words and said “I am delighted to have been recognised for the quality of my meat and for it to be judged as the finest.  This is a huge achievement and we are very proud of it.  We have been in business for over 40 years, and since taking over the business eight years ago I have developed a range of cooked foods as well as the traditional meats, and we have striven to maintain high quality in all our foods.  This recognition is very special, particularly to gain six awards among such stiff competition.  We are just thrilled.” Over 350 chefs, restaurant critics and specialist retail buyers and other independent food experts were involved in this year’s judging, including TV chef Antonio Carluccio, Masterchef winner Dhruv Baker and top food buyers at Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges. David Patterson, Down District Council’s Economic Development Manager, said, “The Great Taste Awards are very competitive with over 7000 entries. To win one award is fantastic, but to get awards for six products is a phenomenal success. Alfie took part in the SEED Food and Fisheries Programme (part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland), and has built up his business with help provided through the programme. “He deserves the success he has achieved, and we are very proud to have such a high quality food producer in the Down district. The Council would like to congratulate Alfie Murray on his huge success.]]>