Five Waterford food and drink companies have earned Origin Green Gold Membership 2025 from Bord Bia, recognising their outstanding commitment to sustainability.

The local recipients – Tea & Coffee Warehouse, Hickey’s Bakery, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, Dawn Meats, and Dawn Pork & Bacon – join 136 Irish companies nationwide in achieving this distinction.

Bord Bia awards the Origin Green Gold Membership to food and drink producers who demonstrate measurable progress in areas such as sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, packaging innovation, and energy efficiency.

Waterford’s Growing Reputation in Sustainable Food

Waterford continues to build its reputation as a leader in sustainable food production, from artisan producers to large-scale enterprises. Dawn Meats and Dawn Pork & Bacon lead major sustainability initiatives within the meat industry, while Tea & Coffee Warehouse and Hickey’s Bakery have shown that smaller producers can make meaningful environmental progress. Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese also stands out for its sustainable farming and production practices.

Bord Bia Praises Industry’s Commitment

Martin Hofler, Senior Sustainability Manager at Bord Bia, said the record number of winners shows the industry’s determination to improve every year.

“Each year, Origin Green raises the bar for Gold Membership. The record 136 companies recognised this year highlights how determined Ireland’s food and drink sector is to strengthen its sustainability practices and future-proof its businesses,” he said.

“By acknowledging these companies, we’re not just rewarding sustainability, we’re recognising real business improvements that support long-term success.”

Seminar Highlights Sustainability as a Driver of Growth

The Gold Membership awards were presented at Bord Bia’s annual Origin Green Sustainability Seminar at the Killashee Hotel in Kildare. The event brought together food industry leaders and sustainability experts under the theme From Vision to Value: Future-Proofing Through Sustainability.

Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, said sustainability now drives success across the Irish food and drink sector.

“It’s about creating real value – for customers, employees, and suppliers,” he said. “Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern; it sits at the heart of business resilience and innovation.”

A Decade of Measurable Change

Origin Green Gold Membership, now in its 13th year, remains the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme. It unites farmers, producers, and retailers under one framework to deliver measurable improvements in sustainability.

For Waterford’s producers, these awards affirm their leadership in shaping a stronger, greener, and more sustainable future for Irish food and drink.

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