The Blas na hÉireann Backyard is an educational initiative founded in 2017 by Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards. Blas na hÉireann – The Irish Food Awards overall was created as a support for Irish food & drink producers with the aim of the awards being to recognise the very best of Irish food and drinks and the passionate people who make them. In the first 10 years of the awards, prior to the establishment of The Backyard, we had developed a supportive and open culture for producers of all sizes to engage with. We had built a network for food and drink producers, both large and small.
We continue to grow the programme online with the ongoing support of Taste4Success. Their commitment and support of the Blas Backyard has allowed us to reach more producers and bring significant educational benefits to their business.
We also have the Blas Backyard in Dingle, 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 in Dingle is kindly supported by Bank of Ireland
In our online learning you can join fellow producers for a new series of expert-led online workshops created to support Irish food and drink producers. From crafting your story and sharpening your pitch to understanding market insights and mastering social media — these sessions will equip you with the tools and confidence to grow your business.
2026 Programme – Blas Backyard Online
Register here
| Date & Time | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 2nd – 12noon | Fallon Moore | Blas Briefing: Making the Most of Awards Weekend |
| Monday 7th – 9.30am | Brian McDermott | Small Shifts, Big Results: The Habits Behind Sustainable Growth |
| Monday 7th – 11.00am | Vivienne Gleeson | PR That Pays Off: Making Every Story Count |
| Monday 7th – 12noon | Fallon Moore | Blas Briefing: Making the Most of Awards Weekend |
| Tuesday 8th – 9.30am | Annie Dunne | Pitch Perfect: Getting Your Brand in Front of the Right People |
| Tuesday 8th – 11.00am | Malachy O’Connor | Irish Grocery 2026: The Trends Shaping Consumer Choice |
| Tuesday 8th – 1.00pm | Sharon Noonan | Social Media That Sells: Creating Content That Converts |
| Wednesday 9th – 9.30am | Vivienne Gleeson | From Story to Strategy: Building Messages That Drive Results |
| Wednesday 9th – 11.00am | Malachy O’Connor | Turning Insight into Action: Using Data to Grow Sales |
| Wednesday 9th – 1.00pm | Brian McDermott | Bounce Forward: Turning Challenges into Opportunities |
| Thursday 10th – 9.30am | Annie Dunne | The GLP-1 Effect: How Changing Appetites Are Reshaping Food |
| Thursday 10th – 11.00am | Cara Murphy | Retail Ready: What Buyers Need to See from Your Brand |
| Friday 11th – 9.30am | Sharon Noonan | Beyond the Follow: Building a Community Around Your Brand |
| Friday 11th – 11.00am | Cara Murphy | Winning on Shelf: Practical Steps to Stand Out in a Competitive Market |
Blas Briefing: Making the Most of Awards Weekend
Join Fallon Moore from the Blas team for a practical run-through of Awards Weekend. We’ll cover what to expect, key timings, tips for getting the most from the programme, and answer any questions finalists may have.
Small Shifts, Big Results: The Habits Behind Sustainable Growth
Discover the practical habits and everyday actions from mentor Brian McDermott that help businesses grow steadily, build resilience, and achieve long term success.
PR That Pays Off: Making Every Story Count
Learn how to identify compelling stories within your business and use PR effectively to raise your profile, attract customers, and create lasting impact, with Vivienne Gleeson
Pitch Perfect: Getting Your Brand in Front of the Right People
Annie Dunne shares insights into presenting your product with confidence and connecting with buyers, retailers, and decision makers who can help grow your business.
Irish Grocery 2026: The Trends Shaping Consumer Choice
Explore the latest grocery market trends, changing consumer behaviours, and emerging opportunities for Irish food and drink producers with Malachy O’Connor
Social Media That Sells: Creating Content That Converts
Learn how to create engaging content that not only builds awareness but also drives meaningful customer action and sales with Sharon Noonan
From Story to Strategy: Building Messages That Drive Results
Discover how clear, consistent messaging can strengthen your brand, support business objectives, and connect with your audience with Vivienne Gleeson
Turning Insight into Action: Using Data to Grow Sales
Learn how to use market information, customer insights, and performance data to make smarter business decisions and unlock growth with Malachy O’Connor.
Bounce Forward: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Explore practical ways to adapt, stay resilient, and use challenges as a catalyst for innovation and business development with Brian McDermott.
The GLP-1 Effect: How Changing Appetites Are Reshaping Food
A fast-paced look with Annie Dunne at how GLP-1 is reshaping eating behaviours, what brands are already testing, and where the biggest opportunities for food producers could lie.
Retail Ready: What Buyers Need to See from Your Brand
Cara Murphy helps you understand what retailers are looking for and learn how to position your product and business for successful buyer conversations.
Beyond the Follow: Building a Community Around Your Brand
Learn how to move beyond growing followers and create an engaged community that supports, advocates for, and buys from your brand with Sharon Noonan
Winning on Shelf: Practical Steps to Stand Out in a Competitive Market
Discover practical strategies to improve visibility, strengthen your proposition, and stand out in a crowded retail environment with Cara Murphy
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.
Register now
