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Warrenpoint-based artisan food-to-go company, DELI LITES has become the only Irish-based company to win two coveted ‘Sammies’ Awards for 2022. The event organised by the British Sandwich and Food-to-Go Association (BSA) saw DELI LITES’ Cathal McDonnell and Gary McDowell recognised as two of the best in the business. Cathal was named the winner of the Business Development Award for his contribution to driving successful change in the industry. In the Mission Foods Sage & Onion Tortilla category, Gary’s wrap ‘Make A Pig of Yourself’ earned the title of Sandwich Designer of the Year. The inventive food producer was also highly commended in the ‘Environmental & Sustainability’ award and the ‘Healthy Eating’ categories.
Competing against international brands such as Co-op, M&S, Starbucks and Greggs across several categories, DELI LITES continue to prove they can punch well above their weight in product development and business operations. Last year the firm picked up the Millitec Manufacturer of the year prize for its strong approach to innovation.
Contestants in the Sandwich Designer of the Year competition are put through a rigorous judging process. First submitting a written entry, followed by a live semi-final cook-off before last week’s finals. This year entries were whittled down from nearly 200 to 18 finalists across 4 categories. DELI LITES’ Adrian Fitzpatrick also secured a finalist spot in 2 categories of the competition.
Italian fine-dining expert and judge Theo Randall commented he enjoyed the craic as well as the food. Gary McDowell, Food Innovation Manager for the company, commented: “The industry is looking to Ireland as food-to-go leaders and the aim was to show the judges exactly why that is. The product concept used high-quality local ingredients to create a global flavour full of personality.”
Cathal McDonnell FIFST, Technical Director, added: “It’s an honour to be recognised as an industry leader in business development. Our business has experienced huge growth over recent years, but we have never lost sight of the priority to create top-quality safe products for our customers that are second to none.”
Gourmet sandwiches, wraps and salads are the bread and butter for DELI LITES, along with an impressive range of hot eats designed for a growing export market. In business for over 20 years, the food company has developed a strong brand presence which includes an award-winning artisan bakery range, plant-based brand Kitchen Vegilantes, and new heat-to-eat brand Planet Café.
Planet Café’s Tex-Mex Inspired Plant-Based Burrito was bestowed one of the two ‘highly commended’ awards which demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating healthier and more interesting lunchtime propositions that consider their impact from the farm to the kitchen.
Gary said: “The standard at this year’s awards was exceptional. From modern twists to all-time classics, the judges had an unenviable job. We are once again proud to be recognised for our innovative ideas amongst industry peers who continue to inspire us to create better food-to-go.
The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association represents businesses across the UK involved in or connected with, the sandwich and food-to-go industry as a whole. The annual Sammies Awards honour the achievements of those working in and working for the improvement of the industry.
Mission Foods were sponsors of the Sandwich Designer category won by DELI LITES, who provide quality tortillas, flatbreads and tortilla chips. The Business Development Award was sponsored by the International Sandwich & Food To Go News magazine, a publication dedicated to the food-to-go sector.
