Mercedes-Benz supporting Irish food producers
Ahead of this year’s Blas na hEireann 2024 Irish Food Awards, in partnership with Bank of Ireland and taking place in Dingle next month, Mercedes-Benz Ireland has joined forces with electric vehicle platform Nevo, to offer practical support to the many small and medium-size Irish food producers who will take part in the festival event.
By providing organisers with an all-electric eVito van both in the lead-up and throughout the duration of the event, Mercedes-Benz Ireland will ensure that local food producers competing in the festival finals, can have their creations collected and brought safely to the Kerry-based event.
First stop on the eVito’s circuitous journey from Dublin to Dingle will be a tea wholesaler, Niks Tea in Rathcoole. Nearby in Naas, its second stop will be at the kitchens of handmade dessert and cake supplier, Couverture Desserts.
Continuing the journey to Dingle, the next stop will bring it to G’s Gourmet Jams in the historic Co. Laois town of Abbeyleix, continuing onwards to Nenagh where produce from sauce and relish producer, The Scullery will be collected. The last stop will be at Limerick-based Kearney’s Home Baking in Ballyhahill.
Thanks to a charging power of 50 kW, the Mercedes-Benz eVito panel van can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 80 minutes. With the battery located underfloor, the 5,140mm long van with its 6.0 cubic metres of covered load space with rear opening and sliding side doors, will have ample carrying capacity and easy-loading access to ensure that all the fresh produce collected en route will arrive in pristine condition.
The annual Blas na hEireann 2024 Irish Food Awards, now in its 17th year, is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Taking place from 3rd-5th October, the pop-up village in the heart of Dingle, is a central point for producers across the country to come together and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink.