Taste Cork featured prominently at the annual Mallow Christmas Family Food and Craft Fair which was held last Saturday, 3rd December, on the grounds of Mallow Castle. Entry to the Christmas Fair was free for all the family and a large crowd came along, to taste what was on offer on the day and purchased those important gifts for Christmas. The fair was held outdoors in the courtyard of Mallow Castle with a large number of food and  craft stalls. There was a large marquee on the grounds which hosted a series of entertainment throughout the day.
The event was a wonderful success. Head of Enterprise for Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West, Kevin Curran commented: “The Taste Cork exhibition presented an ideal opportunity for visitors to the Festival to meet our local producers, they found out more about the artisan food scene in the locality, and even discovered some new favourite brands”.  Kevin added “It is our intention to continue and support all businesses the best way we can.
Local Public Representative Cllr. John Paul O’Shea (Ind) said: “The whole event was a huge success and great credit is due to Mallow Development Partnership for organising the event along with its partners Cork County Council. There was an array of local Food and Craft stalls at the Fair and it was wonderful to see people purchasing gifts for Christmas from local producers. The involvement of Taste Cork was also a huge success and we were delighted to showcase these producers to the people of Mallow.”
Ms. Rebecca O’Keeffe, Food Executive with Taste Cork said, “I’m delighted Taste Cork was involved with the Mallow Family Food and Craft Christmas Fair as it allowed us to promote and link our network of food producers to those who love food. We are now more than ever questioning the provenance of the food we buy and by having Taste Cork present allows us to bring the producers right to the table of the consumer.”
Speaking at the event; Adrian from Hanley’s Puddings  Mitchelstown, said “ it was great to get the opportunity to offer tastings as it gave the Hanley Pudding brand great exposure and everyone really enjoyed the taste.”
Helen from Ballyhoura Apple Farm, said: “New contacts… you never know who you meet, and the opportunity with so many people coming through on the day, the opportunities are endless.
The Food Business has really taken off in North Cork and the great feedback we got from the Taste Cork can turn around into practical support for local Food Businesses”, said Joan Kelleher of the LEO Cork North and West. The Mallow Family Food and Craft Christmas Fair was organised by Mallow Development Partner-ship in association with Mallow Chamber and Cork County Council. Cork County Council the main sponsors of the Fair.