Honeydrops up for international award
Last Updated: Thursday, October 14, 2010 | 8:30 AM AT
CBC News
The judges couldn't believe you could hold honey in your hand. (CBC) A dried drop of pure P.E.I.-produced honey that can be used to sweeten your tea or popped in your mouth like candy is vying for one of the world's top food prizes this weekend.
The Honibe Honeydrop from Island Abbey Foods has already won the top prize for new sweet grocery products at the SIAL D'Or in Paris — the world's biggest food trade show — and is now competing against eight products in other categories to win the grand prize.
Island Abbey president John Rowe told CBC News that a past Canadian winner of the SIAL D'Or at Yves Veggie Cuisine called it the Oscars of the food world.
To reach this level at the SIAL D'Or competition, Honeydrops competed against 270 products from 30 countries. The award means more than prestige. A quarter of a million people usually attend the five-day SIAL D'Or. George Condon, a consulting editor with Canadian Grocer, said the show is an important launching pad into the European market.
Condon believes Island Abbey Foods has a good chance at the top prize.
"The judges, their jaws dropped when I pulled out this little honey drop, put it on my thumb and put it in my mouth," he said.
"They couldn't believe that you could hold honey in your hand."
In the 40-plus years of these awards, Condon said Canada has taken home the most SIAL D'Ors, but this is the first time a P.E.I. product has ever been in this race.
The awards will be announced Sunday night.
Share Tools
Latest Prince Edward Island News Headlines
- Liquor store discussion heats up legislature
- The Opposition raised questions in the provincial legislature Friday over the decision to close the Wood Islands liquor store. more »
- EI rules will hurt primary trades, says P.E.I. premier
- While reaction continues to brew over Thursday's announcement about changes to the Employment Insurance program, P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz says provincial officials will be meeting with the federal government to discuss how the new rules will affect Islanders. more »
- HST to hit low-income earners hardest
- Although the proposed harmonized sales tax is good for business, it will hit low-income Islanders the hardest when it's rung in next April, said economists. more »
- Charlottetown businessman named to Order of Canada
- Charlottetown's Fred Hyndman was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada Friday. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest victim's husband says family not seeking government help
- The husband of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest on Saturday says his family is not seeking government help to cover the cost of bringing his wife's body home. more »
- B.C. premier unhappy with disgraced Mountie's transfer
- B.C. Premier Christy Clark says she is not happy with the RCMP decision to transfer a disgraced Alberta Mountie to the West Coast. more »
- Henrique's OT goal sends Devils into Stanley Cup final
- The New Jersey Devils will vie for a potential fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history after defeating the New York Rangers in six games in the Eastern final, courtesy of rookie Adam Henrique's goal early in overtime. more »
- Employment Insurance review boards to be scrapped
- The federal government is scrapping two review boards used by people appealing decisions made about their employment insurance. more »
- New home buyers will pay more on P.E.I.
- Liquor store discussion heats up legislature
- EI rules will hurt primary trades, says P.E.I. premier
- Charlottetown businessman named to Order of Canada
- P.E.I. quality of life second-worst, says study
- 902 numbers running out in N.S., P.E.I.
- Job Wanted: Sara Brehaut
- Tourism P.E.I. handed out $60,000 in free golf passes
- HST to hit low-income earners hardest

