This year marks a major milestone for Blas na hEireann as Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) from across the country have come together as a network to support the coveted Best Artisan award as well as collectively supporting the best in County awards for each of the ROI counties which they represent.

“This collective support from the Local Enterprise Offices marks a significant moment for Blas na hÉireann. It’s a powerful endorsement of the vibrant food culture we have here, and it shows how deeply rooted the LEOs are in supporting local producers. Their unified backing not only strengthens the awards but also shows their commitment to the incredible artisans and producers taking part.” Fallon Moore, Blas na hÉireann

“The LEOs have long been the go-to support system for new and growing businesses, and having them step in with such coordinated support feels like a celebration of what the awards stand for — championing local, celebrating quality, and creating opportunities for growth. It sends a clear message to producers: you’re not alone — there is a strong, connected network here to help you thrive.”

“Blas na hÉireann celebrates the very best of Irish food and drink, and for many small producers, it represents a launchpad to national recognition. It was important for the Local Enterprise Offices to come together and support these awards because they align directly with our mission, helping local businesses start, scale, and succeed. The Best Artisan Producer category, in particular, reflects the heart of what LEOs support every day, passionate entrepreneurs bringing high quality, authentic products to market, often with strong ties to their communities, heritage, and local ingredients. By supporting this category, the LEOs are reinforcing the message that Ireland’s food culture is built on innovation, sustainability, and small scale excellence. It also provides a vital platform for producers to gain exposure, connect with buyers, and take the next step on their business journey.” Niall O’Keeffe, Head or Enterprise, Cork City LEO

This year, for the first time ever, the winner of Best Artisan will also receive a bursary supported by Loraine Cox Photography. The prize will be a Food Styling and Photography package valued at €1,350, which will include a combination of product photography and photographs of the winning producer. Critical tools for any artisan producer as they build their business. 
Read details of the announcement in ShelfLife Magazine

How your Local Enterprise Office can help you….
Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of practical supports designed to help food and drink producers at every stage of their development. That includes expert mentoring, access to targeted training, and financial supports such as feasibility grants, priming grants for start ups, and business expansion funding for those looking to scale. Many producers also take part in national programmes like the Food Academy, which provides a structured route to develop products, build brand visibility, and access retail opportunities.

For those developing new markets, the Market Explorer Grant provides valuable assistance for international research and early stage export development. LEOs also work with businesses to build sustainability and digital transformation into their operations from the start, helping improve productivity, competitiveness, and long term resilience. For those ready to grow further, we provide direct pathways to supports from Enterprise Ireland and other national initiatives, ensuring producers have the tools, connections, and resources to compete and succeed.

Find out more https://www.localenterprise.ie/

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, is delighted to announce not one, but three exceptional individuals as this year’s Producers’ Champions — a trio of advocates whose work consistently shines a spotlight on Ireland’s food makers and artisan producers. Caroline Hennessy, Santina Kennedy, and Anthony O’Toole are Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025. 

Each has their own unique voice and perspective, and their collective impact across Irish food writing, curation, hospitality, advocacy and sustainability is both significant and impressive. 

Chosen directly by Irish producers from every corner of the country, the Producers’ Champion title is awarded each year based on nominations from within the Blas na hÉireann network. It celebrates those who go above and beyond to support, elevate and promote Irish food and drink.

“We are thrilled to announce these three unique supporters of Irish food as this year’s Producers’ Champions,” said Artie Clifford, founder and Chairman of Blas na hÉireann. “Each of them in their own way has shown a serious and ongoing commitment to the people behind the produce. They share a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, make, market and champion Irish food having all had a background in production, and therefore an understanding of the challenges that producers can face. We couldn’t be happier to celebrate them as they have so often celebrated our producers.”

Caroline Hennessy has been a steadfast voice in Irish food for over two decades. As an award-winning writer, author, MC, and editor, she has consistently used her platforms — from her regular columns to her widely read site Bibliocook — to tell the stories of local producers. With a sharp focus on sustainability and regional food systems, her work weaves the story of Irish food into media, events and podcasts, helping producers reach new audiences and communities.

Santina Kennedy is a food consultant and curator whose work brings Irish food to life through unforgettable experiences. Whether creating immersive dining events at the National Gallery of Ireland or developing food tourism strategies with Fáilte Ireland, Santina places Irish produce centre stage. Pairing food with art, place, history and storytelling, her focus is always on keeping local food, ingredients and their narratives central to a destination’s offering. 

Anthony O’Toole, chef, writer, Slow Food advocate and lifelong champion of seed sovereignty, is behind some of the country’s most forward-thinking food initiatives. From launching Fat Tomato, his organic edible garden and horticulture project in Wexford, to co-founding Taste Wexford and #thisisirishfood, Anthony’s work connects chefs and producers through sustainability, education, and celebration of heritage ingredients. He is a sought-after advisor and an advocate for food as a tool for cultural connection and ecological resilience.

All three now join the prestigious roster of Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions — a list that includes Darina and Rachel Allen and Rory O’Connell, John & Sally McKenna, Neven Maguire, Jess Murphy, Kate Ryan, Conor Spacey, Brian McDermott, Laura Bradley & Johnny McDowell from Indie Füde, and Simon Coveney — as part of a community that celebrates excellence and advocacy in Irish food.

www.irishfoodawards.com

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 14 exceptional producers from Co. Donegal 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 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

Now in its 18th 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 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging, which took place over May, 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. Donegal  across a wide range of categories are Cácaí Aoibhín, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Donegal Sea Salt Ltd., Filligans Handmade Preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, Kinnegar Brewing, Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Little Mammas Gelato, Mallow Mia, McConnell Meats Limited, Natural Dairies, O’Donnells Bakery, Ulster Mead Ltd. and Wild Fuschia Bakehouse.

“It’s wonderful to see a record number of 14 Donegal finalists recognised in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards.” said Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Donegal.  “It’s a testament to the innovation, quality, and diversity of our local food and drink producers. From long-established businesses to emerging artisans, these finalists reflect the breadth of talent across our county. Donegal has become a stronghold for excellence in food production, and through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, we are committed to supporting our producers and telling the story behind the food – one rooted in people, passion, and place. Now in their 18th year, the Blas na hÉireann Awards are a prestigious benchmark of quality in Irish food and drink, and the accreditation is widely recognised and trusted by Irish consumers. Over the years, Donegal producers have consistently excelled at Blas, building a proud track record of success, and this year’s shortlist is further proof of the strength of our food community. Congratulations to all 14 Donegal businesses that made the shortlist; we wish them every success on October 3rd when the finalists will be announced.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

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 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

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 that Irish food so special.

ENDS

www.irishfoodawards.com

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. Finalists have been announced in mid-August. Awards will be presented in Dingle on Friday 3rd October, with the full Blas weekend (Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day) running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th  October.

Key dates for 2025

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

The Best in Donegal award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Donegal Local Enterprise Office

You can find details of Donegal Local Enterprise Office here
074 9160735

info@leo.donegalcoco.ie

New 100% funded programme from Taste4Success & UCC Sustainability Academy focused on reimagining sustainable, health and local food communities.

It is free to attend and will be provide opportunities to deliver a food charter for the Athenry and surrounding areas, discuss challenges and opportunities with local businesses and communities groups while leveraging the expertise from various contributors including a variety of different guest speakers.
More details can be found on http://t4s.ie/connectsus

The Backyard on the Road returns this spring, continuing to provide food and drink producers with a dedicated space to learn from industry experts, participate in guided panel discussions, and connect with fellow producers—supported by Taste 4 Success Skillnet.

In 2024, Blas Backyard was honoured with the inaugural L&DI Award for Best Sharing & Learning Community. The judges were so inspired by the power of peer-to-peer learning within our community that they created this award to recognize its impact.

“A brilliant example of just honest sharing, committed to the greater good and really supporting each other.”
– Sinéad Heneghan, CEO, L&DI Learning

At its heart, Blas Backyard thrives on producers coming together, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. This year, we’re building on that spirit by making our 2025 workshops even more interactive and discussion-led.

What to Expect

🔹 Expert-Led Panel Discussions – Guided conversations with mentors and leading industry voices
🔹 Tailored Insights – Attendees can submit questions in advance for a more personalized discussion.
🔹 Quality Networking – Dedicated time to connect and collaborate with fellow producers.

📅 Dates: 

24th April – Attyflin Estate Limerick – Buyer Focus – Book here
30th April – Attyflin Estate Limerick – PR & Social Media – Book here
1st May – The Seamus Ennis Centre, The Naul – Branding, Marketing & Packaging – Book here

🎟 Tickets: €50 (ex VAT) – includes half day session, networking opportunities, and refreshments.

Join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections!

A look back at our 2024 Backyard on the Road…

The 2025 Sustainable Food Tourism Experience Development Training Program, supported by the Taste 4 Success Skillnet, is open for applications and will start on February 11th 2025.

This heavily subsidised training program is designed to provide knowledge and inspiration to help food and drink producers to develop and deliver unique and sustainable food tourism experiences as an adjunct to their existing business.

Full details are available in the attached brochure and if you would like to apply to take part, the online application form is at THIS LINK.  Please note that the closing date for applications is imminent  — Friday 31 January 2025.  As spaces are limited, prompt application is encouraged.

If you have any queries about the program, please contact Sharon Noonan by email sharon@sharonnoonan.com or mobile 087 099 5741.