Irish food enjoys a world-class reputation. Irish celebrity chefs have become household names, and the success of their cookbooks has given the Irish publishing industry a massive boost. All good reasons for introducing a new category to the awards and we are delighted to welcome another new commercial sponsor this year in Avonmore, a distinguished brand name to be found in households the length and breadth of the country. No more appropriate sponsor for the very first Cookbook of the Year can be imagined.