Maria Lucia Bakes picks up innovation food award

RATHFARNHAM business Maria Lucia Bakes, an award-winning granola and muesli company, continues to pick up accolades, reports Maurice Garvey.

The company, established in 2013 by Maria Betts, scooped an innovation award for her ‘on the go’ Porridge Pot in the 2017 FreeFrom Food Ireland awards on May 12.

Maria also picked up a merit for the product in a 30 strong breakfast cereal category against tough competition.

“We are thrilled to have won an Innovation trophy at the FFFA and getting such commendation from the judges is a fantastic result for me,” said Maria. 

“Awards are so important to help consumers choose the best tasting and value products. We use the finest ingredients and produce in small batches to make absolutely certain that the gluten-free consumer is getting the ultimate breakfast product.

Maria continued: “Not only that but we are stepping up to the demand for more normal options. Non-coeliacs have lots of on-the-go choices – I’m delighted to help even out the market.”

John Burke, founder of FFFA, said: “The awards looks for excellence and innovation in the industry so that the bar is constantly raised in terms of quality, availability and affordability in freefrom foods.

“Congratulations to Maria Lucia Bakes for winning Innovation. Maria’s on the go porridge pot gives coeliacs the chance to be normal – to grab and go – and also to take merit in the breakfast category, a tough category and one of our largest , is an extra commendation for Maria.”  

Maria began by adapting granola to suit a staying friend’s gluten-free diet and now supplies select stores including Dunnes Stores, SuperValu stores, Centra stores and independent retailers across the country.