Ballycarry company's sweet treat is a hit with judges

A Ballycarry-based company has picked up a prestigious food award thanks to the unique flavour of one of its sweet treats.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Sep 2016, 07:00 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2016, 13:44 BST
Pictured L-R are Diarmuid Murphy, Lorraine Lennon and Susan O'Shaughnessy from Simply Better; Wendy Campbell, Camran Crafts; chef Neven Maguire; Tracie McFerran, Camran Crafts, and Daragh Lawless, Simply Better. INCT 37-724-CONPictured L-R are Diarmuid Murphy, Lorraine Lennon and Susan O'Shaughnessy from Simply Better; Wendy Campbell, Camran Crafts; chef Neven Maguire; Tracie McFerran, Camran Crafts, and Daragh Lawless, Simply Better. INCT 37-724-CON
Pictured L-R are Diarmuid Murphy, Lorraine Lennon and Susan O'Shaughnessy from Simply Better; Wendy Campbell, Camran Crafts; chef Neven Maguire; Tracie McFerran, Camran Crafts, and Daragh Lawless, Simply Better. INCT 37-724-CON

Camran Crafts was set up a year ago by friends Tracie McFerran and Wendy Campbell.

Producing an artisan range of marshmallows, the company was one of seven shortlisted in the Small Producer category of the Irish Quality Food Awards, sponsored by Dunnes Stores ‘Simply Better’ range.

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The winners were announced last Thursday night during a gala dinner at The Mansion House in Dublin, with Camran Crafts’ orange, mango and gin flavour marshmallow scoring top marks with the judges.

“The company started as both of us have 11-year-old children with autism, and we were hoping to produce something texturally for them that was also very natural, ” Tracie told the Times.

The enterprising duo initially developed the range to be enjoyed without additives and E numbers.

They later added a number of flavours for adults, such as last week’s winning fruit and gin combination.

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The marshmallows were reviewed by ‘Simply Better’ Ambassador and award-winning chef, Neven Maguire.

“Along with the gin, the marshmallows bring together mango and orange to create a delicious fresh flavour,” he said.

The award gives Camran Crafts the opportunity to work with the Simply Better Development and Buying team to launch, market and develop their brand as part of the ‘Simply Better’ food collection.

“Wendy and I are truly thankful to the IQFA Award team, the Simply Better Dunnes Store team and to Neven McGuire for awarding us Small Producer of the Year 2016,” Tracie added.

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“We are delighted and honoured by this wonderful accolade and are really looking forward to working with the Simply Better team going forward.

“It has been an amazing year, supported not only by our wonderful families, but by our incredible customers, our stockists and the support from fellow producers, crafters and event organisers. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”