The Vard Partnership’s Brand Bursary winner for 2012 was announced live on Radio 1’s The Business. Truly Irish Country Foods received the award of €10,000 in brand and packaging design to strengthen its brand to compete in export markets, particularly the UK.

Representing 70% of Irish pig farmers, the Truly Irish brand was launched in 2009 and is now third in its category. Stephen Vard said the passion, commitment and business acumen of the company and particularly its chief executive, Mike McAuliffe who gives his time voluntarily to the business made it a definite winner for the judges.

Looking to the origins of Kerrygold, Truly Irish offers the potential to build a significant Irish home grown brand that can trade on a global stage. It was none the less a difficult decision as the other three finalists, Carlow Brewing Company, Bombay Pantry and Pasta Concepts were all strong contenders and offer excellent export potential.

Joining Stephen on the judging panel were Michael Carey, Chairman of Bord Bia, John Whelan CEO of IEA, Clodagh McKenna, Chef and Entrepreneur and Stephen Wynne Jones of Checkout.

See www.brandbursary.ie for radio coverage of the interviews and announcement of the winner.