Spice Devil maintain hot streak with Irish Quality Food Awards

SPICE Devil owner Shakeel Jeeroburkan continued his hot streak this week – picking up yet another accolade at the Irish Quality Food awards.

The Clondalkin entrepreneur’s newest spice range Twist’d Creole won Best Store Cupboard Ingredient at the Mansion House awards ceremony on September 8.

Mauritian native Shakeel started creating spice brands at home in Clondalkin in 2013 – trying out his product at farmer’s markets with the help of his wife and son.

Shakeel, a former policeman who has lived in Ireland for the last nine years, received good feedback from customers and took the next step for his fledgling business – securing a micro-finance loan and a grant from South Dublin County Council LEO office to kickstart the venture.

Fast forward three years, and Spice Devils are a company on the rise, scooping numerous awards, including the Listowel Food Fair Overall Winner Award in 2015 for best emerging artisan food product.

Shakeel was delighted with the latest award, which he has won for “two years running and fourth award this year.”

The success has led to Spice Devils being supplied to 30 Supervalu’s in Dublin, and early discussions have taken place with potential trade partners abroad to export the product.

After relocating the business to Ace Enterprise Park in Bawnogue, Shakeel’s stock continues to rise.

“My main base of customers is Irish, but I change the ingredients to suit Irish cuisine,” he said.

“It is different to Indian or Pakistani spices. Customers get a free chili sachet in all retail packs if they want to try it hot.”

Shakeel crafts his freshly milled spices in small batches by hand, utilising Mauritian Creole brands, to create a versatile product – free from gluten, added sugar, salt and additives.

Tributes have flown in for Shakeel from across the business community, Dublin Food Chain one of many to congratulate him on a “deserved award.”

For further details visit www.spicedevils.com