Franks’s first: Hederman wins major European food award
Irish food producers are used to receiving awards for their outstanding produce and Frank Hederman is no exception.
Saying that, winning an award that has past winners like Ferran Adrià of the famous El Bulli restaurant in Barcelona must be simply mind-blowing.
The Walter Scheel Medaille celebrates Europe’s culinary culture and highlights people who have worked towards cultural heritage, diversity and prosperity. Walter Scheel was the fourth German president who passed away aged 97 in 2016 – he was well respected.
This year’s award is won through food produced in Ireland’s only authentic timber smoke house for Irish salmon made in Belvelly Smoke House in Cobh. Frank Hederman’s produce is highly sought after by chefs and food lovers alike. You can also find Frank Hederman at the English Market, Midleton farmer’s market and Cobh market.
Frank is the first Irish person to win this prestigious award. He said: “This award is recognition from a prestigious European organisation for the authenticity and singular quality of the food we make, the skill and hard work that goes into it, and the perseverance that’s required to keep a food business like ours going. It’s an opportunity to pause and take stock of all the people along the way who have worked with us, supported us and believed in us, and to thank them sincerely.
“It’s a great day for Irish food. It’s the first time the Walter Scheel medal has been awarded in Ireland and it also recognises the excellence of our raw materials and food markets and independent shops - all that makes up our food culture.”
I used to get smoked garlic from Frank Hederman but I am not sure if it is still available but it made the most amazing smoked mashed potatoes. Other products available from the stalls are tasty fish cakes, smoked butter, eel, haddock, mussels, butter, spices, nuts and a wide range of handmade pates.
To celebrate the award there will be a ceremony at Belvelly which will be attended by MEP Deirdre Clune, Dr Christoph Wirtz who presides over the Walter Scheel Medal, his colleague Dr Dominik Dortmann, the German Ambassador, Cord Meier-Klodt and Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
Caroline and Frank will also host a breakfast on the Promenade at Cobh farmers’ market with all proceeds going to Amnesty International Ireland and SVP.
The Walter Scheel Medal organisers will also be given to a tour of the English Market by local food historian Regina Sexton, followed by a lunch created by Claire Nash, a keen ambassador for local food at Nash 19, Princes Street.
The organisers will be in for a treat as Regina is the best guide for anyone wanting to learn more about Irish food culture (check out UCC for a diploma course on Irish Food Culture). And I am sure that Claire Nash will create the most delicious menu to showcase the best of Irish produce.
Congratulations to Frank and Caroline Hederman for such an achievement and reminding the world how excellent Irish food is!