IRELAND’S oldest pesto company, based in Stoneybatter, will showcase a range of new gluten-free products when they appear at the second annual Bite Food Festival taking place in the RDS from November 18-20.
The festival will showcase the best of Ireland’s artisan food and drink producers to audiences of over 20,000 in the run-up to the Christmas season, and gives festivalgoers the chance to try their hands at making gourmet recipes at the Bite Cook Along classes.
Owners of Genovese Foods, Enda McCormack and Gillian Toal, believe their recipes are only as good as their ingredients and don’t skimp on the quality to save on the pocket.
Just three years ago, their acclaimed Irish Pesto Verdi made its mark at a food fair in London’s Selfridges where it outsold its Italian counterparts by a margin of ten to one.
“Now we have just launched the Pesto Rosso and the vegan-friendly Rustico Tapenade, which are all gluten-free, vegetarian foods,” said Enda.
“We buy up to 40 kilos of fresh Irish basil every day as well as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other top ingredients for our products.
“The range is more expensive but also more tasty.
“You use less rather than more because of the intense burst of flavours.”
Enda and Gill are also working hard to make their carbon footprint as little as possible and have just received the Bord Bia Origin and Green Award for their continuing efforts.
This year’s Bite Festival will feature a range of winners from the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards, the biggest competition for quality Irish produce.
Bite 2016 takes place at the RDS Main Hall from November 18-20. Full details and booking can be found at www.bitefoodfestival.ie.