Best in Donegal award supported by Donegal LEO

Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Donegal supported by Donegal LEO.

Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entry deadline is 15th May.
“The Local Enterprise Office in Donegal has long supported the ethos of Blas na hÉireann. Studies show that the Blas accreditation is the most recognised among Irish consumers, and products displaying the award logo are more likely to be chosen by shoppers – it’s a trusted mark of quality for Irish-made goods. Donegal food producers have achieved consistent success at Blas na hÉireann over the years, and we actively encourage local businesses to take part annually. Through our Food Coast Donegal initiative, we are proud to champion the county’s food and drink producers, working to grow a vibrant local food sector and showcase Donegal’s rich culinary culture. The Blas na hÉireann Awards have played a key role in this journey, serving as a valuable springboard for many of our local food and drink businesses.”
Brenda Hegarty, Donegal LEO

Over the years, Donegal has enjoyed great success at Blas na hÉireann, and previous winners include: An Dalach Mor Teoranta, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Filligans handmade preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, McConnell Meats, Natural Dairies and Wild Fuschia Bakehouse.

“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”

The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.

Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.

Key dates for 2025

2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
Mid August – Finalists Notified
3rd October – Blas na hÉireann awards presented
(Blas Village with Networking, Showcase, Awards & Eat Ireland in a Day running from 3rd – 5th October)

A look back at 2024 Donegal winners
Did you know you can also find our finalists & winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here