Over the past 8 years we have been proud to bring The Backyard at Blas to life. As a venue it is a space full of positive conversation, learning and support for finalist producers.
The Blas Backyard is a dedicated space to meet fellow producers, a place to gain knowledge and find support for your business.
The Blas Backyard is kindly supported by Bank of Ireland and an online programme supported by Taste4Success.
We have seen how much our finalists producers benefitted from a little advance preparation through our online sessions and we want to continue in that theme of preparation for success with another great online line up in 2025
These workshops will take place online from the 8th – 10th of September and are exclusively for finalist producers at Blas na hÉireann 2025. We encourage you to sign up to this year’s events online, ahead of attending the events in Dingle.
The focus of the workshops will be on what you, as a finalist, can do to make the most of this opportunity. It will be a wonderful chance to not only hear from the experts but to make first contact with fellow finalists as well.
Note:
Each session will be delivered online via Zoom. Once registered you can attend live on the day or if you can’t make it on the day we will share a recording with you.
Please note to receive recordings you must attend at least one session in person.
Online learning has been supported by Taste4Success Skillnet.
The line up for this year….
Success isn’t built on one big moment—it’s shaped by what you do every day. In this energising session, discover the small, consistent actions that build resilience, growth, and sustainability into your business. Walk away with practical steps to keep your focus sharp and your energy balanced—especially in the busy lead-up to the awards.
Are you media ready? In this practical health check, Vivienne will guide you through the 7 essentials every finalist needs in their PR toolkit. From press releases that sing to key messages that stick, you’ll gain the confidence to showcase your product and story with clarity—and get noticed for all the right reasons.
Knowledge is power when it comes to retail. This insider session offers a clear snapshot of the Irish grocery market right now—covering shopper behaviours, category insights, and emerging trends. Get the facts you need to understand where your product sits, and how to position it for growth in a competitive market.
With mentor Vivienne Gleeson
The story behind your brand is your strongest sales tool—but only if it’s told with clarity and impact. In this session, learn how to fine-tune your message so it connects emotionally with customers, buyers, and the media—while ultimately delivering back to your bottom line.
This fast-paced, energising session is designed to help Blas na hÉireann finalists make meaningful connections that last long after the awards. Whether you’re hoping to meet buyers, journalists, or fellow producers with collaboration potential, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to approach the right people with confidence and authenticity. Discover how to network with purpose—online and in person—so you can turn chance encounters into real opportunities. Your next big break might be one conversation away. Let’s make sure you’re ready for it.
With mentor Malachy O’Connor