Blas na hÉireann - Wexford Finalists
The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026, have been announced, with 20 exceptional producers from Co. Wexford making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.
The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 1st October to Sunday 4th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves will be announced on Friday 2nd October.
Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion, supported by Bord Bia and Best Artisan Producer, supported by the LEO Network. The judging, which took place over June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.
The finalists shortlisted from Co. Wexford across a wide range of categories are Atlantis Seafood, Ballydane Farm, Elderberry Farm, Furlong Family Butchers Ltd, Irish Country Meats (ABP), J. Caxard – Food & Wine Emporium, Killiane Castle Honey, Killowen Farm, Mini’s Chilli Cheese, Mór Taste, O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Co, Pettitt’s Supervalu, Saltrock Dairy Ltd, Sean Staffords Bakeries, Stable Diet, Trudie’s Kitchen, Wexford Home Preserves, Wexford Sea Salt, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates and Zanna Cookhouse.
“Wexford County Council Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford County Council are delighted to see County Wexford so strongly represented among the finalists of this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards, Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.” said Angela Lawless, Head of Enterprise (Acting), LEO Wexford. “The success of these exceptional food and drink producers highlights the depth of talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within Wexford’s thriving agri-food sector. Their achievements reflect a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and excellence that continues to enhance the county’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading food destinations. Blessed with rich farmland, an extensive coastline and a strong food heritage, County Wexford is home to an outstanding range of artisan and premium food producers. From award-winning seafood, meats and dairy products to artisan breads, chocolates, preserves, honey, beverages and wines, Wexford’s food and drink offering showcases the very best of local ingredients, combined with the skill, passion and creativity of its producers. The strong representation of Wexford businesses among this year’s finalists demonstrates the strength of the county’s indigenous enterprise base and the growing national and international recognition being achieved by local food and drink brands. Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford County Council extend their warmest congratulations to all finalists and wish them every success at the Blas na hÉireann Awards, as they continue to showcase the very best of Wexford on the national and international stage.”
“It’s been another exceptional year for Blas na hÉireann,” said Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “The quality and creativity of this year’s entries have been outstanding, showcasing the talent, innovation and dedication of food and drink producers across Ireland. Blas is all about celebrating these producers and giving them the recognition they deserve, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dingle this October.”
This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2026 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With producer education and growth at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its community support for producers and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
Continuing this focus on education and collaboration, The Backyard at Blas, supported by Bank of Ireland, will return this year as an integral part of the Blas experience. Bringing together inspiring speakers and fellow producers, it offers a dedicated space for learning and networking.
Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make Irish food so special.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island of Ireland, open to all 32 counties. Judging took place during June and July and finalists were announced in mid-August. Awards will be presented in Dingle on Friday 2nd October, with the full Blas weekend running from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October and featuring networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival.
Blas na hÉireann remains a vital platform for recognising the quality and creativity of Irish food producers and makers are invited to put their products forward and be part of Ireland’s largest celebration of food and drink.
For media enquiries or imagery contact:
Hattie Wrixon
Host & Co.
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Did you know you can also find our winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here
Best in Wexford at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Wexford LEO
You can find more details on Wexford LEO here
info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie
053 919 6020
