~ selected as a Finalist in the SFA National Business Awards ~

Celtic Pure Natural Spring Water has been shortlisted as a Finalist in the prestigious Small Firms Association (SFA) National Business Awards 2011, in the Food and Drink category.
The awards will be presented by Awards Patron, An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD at a Gala Event in March in Dublin.

The Monaghan based firm has been recognised for its innovation, growth and job creation over the years and been selected to compete against five other food and drink companies from across the country.

This year saw the greatest number of applications being made to the SFA in the seven years that the awards have been running. Given this, it is an exceptional achievement for Celtic Pure to be selected as a finalist. A total of 36 companies have been selected as finalists in 6 categories.

From humble beginnings with two employees in 2000 supplying customers locally with water in 5 litre drums, Celtic Pure has grown to become an innovative, progressive company. Not only does it source its own natural spring water, the company manufactures its own bottles all under a Quality Management System.

"Celtic Pure has made a huge impact on the ever-growing natural bottled water market,” said Padraig McEneaney, managing director of Celtic Pure. “We are delighted to be shortlisted as a Finalist in the SFA National Business Awards. Over the years we have invested greatly in our business, we continue to retain staff and have plans to expand in the New Year. Celtic Pure has built up good relationships with its customers and independent distributors and is willing and able to supply all orders no matter how large or small in Ireland and to our export markets.”

Celtic Pure has 23 employees. It has a growing customer base in Ireland and exports to Northern Ireland, England and Wales. Celtic Pure is unique given that the company manufactures all its own bottles. By producing its own bottles, Celtic Pure has reduced its carbon footprint and costs to the retailer.

“These awards acknowledge the important role small businesses have to play in leading our return to economic growth and job creation,” said Awards Patron, An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD. "The SFA National Small Business Awards provides us with a valuable opportunity to recognise and showcase Ireland’s entrepreneurial talent.”

The shortlist of Finalists in the SFA National Small Business Awards 2011 was officially announced this week by Ian Martin, SFA chairman and chair of the awards judging panel. “With the greatest number of applications to date in the seven years of this awards programme, it is heartening to see that the small business sector has a strong sense of optimism and so many companies are positively focused on the growth of their business proving that successful small businesses will be vital to our economic recovery”, said Ian Martin, SFA chairman and chair of the SFA Awards Judging Panel.

The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland, and to recognise the vital contribution of the small business sector to Irish industry.

Celtic Pure is recognised for having a great product. Its still and sparkling water range covers all sizes of bottles from 250ml to 5 litre plastic bottles, and 250ml and 750ml glass bottles. Celtic Pure also provides customised bottle branding and water coolers for home and office use.

Celtic Pure received a ringing endorsement of its product at Dublin’s O2 venue in recent months. Pop singer and ‘X Factor’ judge, Cheryl Cole took to the stage for a concert holding a bottle of Celtic Pure Still Spring Water at the O2 arena bringing Celtic Pure and its product to a major worldwide audience.