Another national award for Rhode’s The Bogs Dollops
The Bogs Dollops in Rhode has added another national food award to its growing collection, taking home a Bronze Award at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards for its Honey & Mustard Salad Dressing.
It was another very proud weekend for Mairéad and Ronan, Charlotte & Willow-Jane Heavey, who travelled to Dingle for the awards and watched as their Honey & Mustard Salad Dressing was recognised among some of the best food products in Ireland.
For the couple, the award means even more because of where the business has come from.
The Bogs Dollops is a small, family-run business in the heart of Rhode, built from the ground up by Mairéad and Ronan.
“We were absolutely thrilled to hear our name called,” said Mairéad. “You are standing there surrounded by some of the biggest and best food producers in the country, so when your name is called, it really is a moment you don't forget.”
The Bronze Award follows a Silver Award at Blas na hÉireann last year for The Bogs Dollops’ Raspberry Jam, making it two consecutive years that the Rhode business has been recognised at the prestigious awards.
“We are only a small family business from Rhode, so to have our products recognised nationally is something we are incredibly proud of. There is a huge amount of work that goes into everything we make, and we care very much about the quality of what we put our name to.”
The Honey & Mustard Salad Dressing has quickly become a favourite with customers and is made by the team at The Bogs Dollops using carefully selected ingredients.
The latest award adds to an extraordinary list of achievements for the business since opening its doors, including being named Best Café in Offaly at the Irish Restaurant Awards and winning Leinster Innovator of the Year.
But for Mairéad, the biggest reward remains seeing people enjoy what they make.
“We are very lucky to have such amazing customers and support from our local community. Every award is lovely, but knowing that people come into the shop, buy our products and genuinely love them is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
From a derelict premises in the village to an award-winning bakery and café with products now being recognised on the national stage, The Bogs Dollops continues to put Rhode firmly on the Irish food map.