Bloomin’ successful show for Cork businesses

Gavin Harington & Johnny O’Connell from West Cork Distillery, Co. Cork

Bloom, Bord Bia’s annual gardening, food and family festival celebrated a record-breaking final day as over 1,200 GIY (Grow it Yourself) fans set a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of people sowing seedlings at once. Despite the poor weather conditions on Sunday, Bloom welcomed almost 80,000 visitors over the June Bank holiday weekend to the 70 acre site in Phoenix Park, Dublin which is celebrating its 350th anniversary this year. Cork businesses represented this year included Blackwater Floral Accessories from Kilcanway, Mella's Fudge, Green Saffron Spices, Stonewell Cider and Folláin from Ballyvourney.

Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia said “Now in its sixth year, Bloom continues to evolve and grow with our changing times. It is a showcase of the indigenous talent, creativity and integrity that characterises Irish food and horticulture and its capacity to contribute to our economic well-being.”

Gary Graham, Bord Bia’s Bloom Show Manager added “This year the horticultural industry has been severely tested by poor weather conditions and difficult economic circumstances yet we have managed to achieve 27 stunning show gardens and over 40 magnificent horticultural displays which proves the strength of Bloom and its importance to businesses."

Bord Bia has announced that Bloom 2013 will take place from Thursday, May 30th – Monday June 3rd.