The Backyard at Blas proudly supported by Bank of Ireland is a dedicated space to meet fellow producers, gain knowledge and find support for your business. An exciting line up of speakers will share their experiences to help you grow your business.
What’s happening in The Backyard?
Be sure to use this space over the weekend, it is exclusively for our hosted guests, buyers, trade, press and finalist. It will be your place to meet and catch up with people.
Coffee’s will be welcome on a busy weekend and are very kindly supported by Andrew Ingredients.
The Backyard is also right beside our local information desk where we will be happy to share information on the what’s happening local, festival events and even simply just advice on how to find your accommodation or where to find somewhere to eat or a good pint!
We have an exciting line-up of speakers over the weekend for our Conversations in the Backyard, you do not have to register for these talks just join us, engage with questions and you will be going home with invaluable advice from industry experts, press and buyers.
2025 Line Up
Thursday 2nd
5pm – Opening Welcome
A warm welcome to Blas na hÉireann 2025. Join Artie Clifford with Bord Bia and Invest NI as we open the doors to a weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration for food producers across Ireland.
5.15pm – Producers’ Champions 2025
A conversation with this year’s Producers’ Champions Anthony O’Toole, Caroline Hennessy & Santina Kennedy. We’ll hear what drives their passion for Irish food and how they see producers leading the way in the year ahead.
6pm – What does it mean?
The finalist stage brings with it unique opportunities — but how do you make the most of them? Past finalists and winners share their experiences, from life-changing wins to the lessons of near misses. Expect honest reflections, inspiration, and practical advice on grabbing every opportunity with both hands.
John Doyle, Bank of Ireland will be chatting with Mark Bergin, Coffee House Lane, Owen Mullins, Zanna Cookhouse, Cara Murphy, Roots2Market & Tomás Hayes, LEO Network
Friday 3rd
10am – Strength in Numbers
Collaboration makes producers stronger. Hear how Rivesci (2024 Supreme Champion) teamed up with O’Donnell’s to launch a new product, alongside stories of community, chef, and festival collaborations that prove the power of working together with insights from Eunice Power & Tom Flavin. Hosted by Dee Laffan.
11am – Sweet Success
What happens when a product goes viral? Erica Drum hosts as Denise from Sugar Plum shares the whirlwind journey of her Dubai Chocolate Bar in 2024 alongside Vivienne Gleeson, Blas na hÉireann PR mentor, exploring the realities of sudden spotlight and how to sustain success.
12noon – Shaping the Rules: New Regulations Ahead
With new regulations and consumer expectations evolving fast, how much should you share with your customers? This will include expert advice from GS1 who are already embracing change discuss QR codes, transparency, and turning regulation into opportunity and Kinsale Mead sharing insights of their journey so far.
1pm – Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?
Exploring tariffs, exports, and the realities of trading with the US. A practical look at challenges and opportunities for Irish producers navigating international markets.
2pm – Tapping into TikTok: Trends, Tips & the Shop Explained
Curious how TikTok can boost your business?
Join Sharon Noonan for a dynamic discussion with Sam O’Byrne (Marketing Manager, TikTok for Small-Medium Business | EMEA), O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausages (70K TikTok followers), and e-commerce strategist Vinny O’Brien to demystify the fastest-growing digital marketplace. The session will explore how food and drink producers can use TikTok to build brand awareness, create viral content and leverage ads to drive sales. There will be expert advice on setting up a TikTok Shop—what’s involved and whether it suits your brand. Discover what makes content perform, how to reach the right audience, and learn practical ways to turn views into value. Whether you’re TikTok-curious or already creating, this is your roadmap to standing out in the scroll.
3pm – Branding: The Impact of Visuals
Branding is more than just a logo — it’s the story you tell at first glance. Hosted by Annie Dunne this session unpacks the power of visuals in building trust, standing out on shelves, and creating lasting business success.
4pm – Eating on the Go
From airlines to forecourts, “grab and go” is on the rise. Buyers share insights on changing consumer habits and what producers should know to get their products into this fast-moving space.
Saturday 4th
10am – Buyers’ Masterclass: Insider Tips
Buyers share candid insights on what captures their attention and what they look for in new products.
11am – The Press Panel
From national newspapers to trade media and digital platforms, this panel lifts the lid on what editors and journalists are really looking for.
12noon Messy, Mindful & Making it Work
Work-life balance isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the secret ingredient to thriving businesses. Join us for a relaxed, conversational session exploring how balance, wellness, and genuine care for your team can spark creativity, boost efficiency, and make the workplace a happier place for everyone.
