Five Waterford businesses strike gold for eco excellence in major national recognition
Waterford companies honoured among Ireland's greenest as Bord Bia hails record year for eco innovation
Five Waterford companies have struck gold for their commitment to sustainability, earning top recognition in a major national programme celebrating Ireland's most environmentally conscious food and drink producers.
The local firms were among 136 companies across the country to receive gold membership from Bord Bia, recognising those leading the way in sustainability through the Origin Green programme.
The awards highlight progress in areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, packaging, and social responsibility.
The five Waterford-based companies recognised this year include Tea & Coffee Warehouse Ltd, Hickeys Bakery, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, Dawn Meats, and Dawn Pork & Bacon.
The achievement marks a record year for the initiative, which aims to unite Ireland's food industry in building a more sustainable future. Bord Bia said that more companies than ever before have met the programme's "gold standard", reflecting a growing drive to future-proof Irish businesses.
"Every year, Origin Green raises the threshold to meet Gold Membership status in order to help drive continuous change and improvement across the Irish food sector," said Martin Hofler, Senior Sustainability Manager with Bord Bia.
"The record 136 companies awarded Gold Membership this year underscores the huge desire of the Irish food and drink sector to future-proof their business as they continue to increase their sustainability actions."
Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole praised the record number of winners, saying that sustainability is now "a central driver of business resilience, innovation, and long-term success" within the Irish food and drink industry.
The awards were presented at the annual Origin Green Sustainability Seminar at Killashee Hotel in Naas, which was addressed by Minister of State Noel Grealish and featured guest speakers from leading international food and sustainability organisations.
Ireland's food and drink sector remains one of the country's strongest export performers, and sustainability has become a defining part of how Irish products are promoted globally.