Daragh O’Brien from Co. Kildare made history earlier this year as first man to win the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, taking home €15,000. The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by ALDI in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, will see Daragh’s award-winning bread go on sale in 155 ALDI stores nationwide for a twelve-month period.
An avid home baker, Daragh’s bread was commended by the judges for its crumbly texture and rich flavour. Daragh’s Brown Bread €1.99 (600g) will hit shelves nationwide from December 9th and is certain to be a hit with ALDI customers far and wide!
This year’s National Brown Bread Baking Competition took place at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. Eight bakers from across Ireland competed over a two-day bake off with Daragh emerging victorious and winning the first prize of €15,000. The National Brown Bread Baking Competition continues to go from strength to strength, with amateur bakers from across the country taking part each year. ALDI is thrilled to be able to continue to support local producers and that this wonderful Irish tradition survives and thrives for generations to come.
Speaking about his bread being available in ALDI stores nationwide, Daragh O’Brien, said: “I am delighted to have won this year’s National Brown Bread Baking Competition and humbled to be the first male winner. After spending many hours baking my bread at home, I’m thrilled that people across the country will have the opportunity to enjoy it for themselves. Looking forward to seeing my bread on the shelves in my local ALDI this Friday.”
Group Buying Director at ALDI Ireland, John Curtin said: “We are proud to sponsor the National Brown Bread Baking Competition in association with the National Ploughing Association and Irish Countrywomen’s Association. This year marked our return to the National Ploughing Championships following a three-year pause on normal proceedings and we were once again blown away by the quality and standard of the entries. We wish to congratulate Daragh once again on his momentous achievement. We look forward to sharing his delicious bread with our customers and take pride in providing our customers with bread of this quality at such good value.”
National Ploughing Association (NPA) Managing Director, Anna May McHugh said: “The NPA would like to sincerely congratulate this year’s National Brown Bread Baking Competition winner Daragh on his tremendous achievement given the incredibly high standard of loaves entered this year. The very first National Brown Bread Baking Competition took place at the National Ploughing Championships in 1954 and it is marvellous to see that competition is still as popular as ever and to keep the tradition alive. We thank ALDI for their continued support and wish Daragh the very best.”
Daragh’s Brown Bread €1.99/600g is available in all 155 ALDI stores from December 9th.
Slán go fóill.