Find our 2024 Delivery Dates & Locations below
Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of FoodSpace and kitchen sustainability advocate, is named this year’s Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion 2024
This year’s Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion is Conor Spacey, chosen for his dedication to championing the best of everything Irish, independent and sustainable.
The Producers’ Champion is selected annually by Blas na hÉireann producers, based on a survey that goes out to the entire Blas network — a network that covers every county in Ireland with producers from all across the food industry. Nominees for Producers’ Champion are put forward early in the year, when producers are asked to nominate those they believe are representing and supporting their produce and that of other Irish food makers and growers in an effective and helpful way.
Conor has been involved in the food industry for over 34 years, having worked across Ireland and the UK in bistros and bars, hotels, banqueting and fine dining. For the past eight years, he has been the Culinary Director of FoodSpace, an award-winning and sustainable on-site food service & hospitality management company, which has grown to over 20 locations throughout Ireland and the UK.
Conor has always had a passion for local and seasonal food, beginning with ensuring that all the food he was serving was grown, produced or farmed within a 50-mile radius of his kitchens. But this was just a starting point for him, as he delved deeper into making professional kitchens more environmentally friendly, removing and replacing unsustainable practices, and becoming one of the industry leaders in zero waste kitchens.
He recently collaborated with Chef’s Manifesto, a global network of chefs driving action for a sustainable food system, and with the United Nations on their sustainable development goals for the global food system. An advocate and speaker on sustainability, Conor published his first book, Wasted, in July last year and his latest project is building a first-of-its kind sustainable cookery school, farm and café in Gambia, creating a totally circular economy within the villages, training people in the hospitality industry, and creating employment across the entire food system.
“I am delighted to be announced as this year’s Producers’ Champion,” said Conor Spacey. “Food sustainability has become more than a passion of mine, it’s a way of life and it’s something I feel everyone can be doing, on a small or large scale. To be nominated by a group of food and drink producers who understand the importance of what I’m doing makes me even more proud to win this award. Thank you to all the producers and industry folk who strive to do better — this is what it’s all about.”
“We are thrilled to announce Conor Spacey as this year’s Producers’ Champion,” said Artie Clifford, founder and Chairman of Blas na hÉireann. “Conor has contributed to the food industry for many years and his passion is second to none. His determination to change the way we talk about food, consume it, and work with it, to leave our planet a better and happier one, is inspiring and something everyone in the food world should be working toward. And most importantly, he has shown it is possible. Congratulations to Conor on this extremely well-deserved award.”
Conor Spacey joins the exclusive Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions roster that now includes Simon Coveney TD, Neven Maguire, John & Sally McKenna, Shane McArdle, Kai’s Jess Murphy, Darina Allen, Rory O’Connell, Rachel Allen, Brian McDermott and last year’s winner Kate Ryan.
Final call for entries to Blas na hÉireann 2024 – closing date is 16th May. For more details visit www.irishfoodawards.com
Best in Laois Award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Laois supported by Laois LEO.
“Local Enterprise Office Laois is delighted to work again with the Blas na hÉireann awards and sponsor the overall ‘Best in Laois’ award. We are committed to growing the food and drink sector in the county and supporting our local producers as they start up, expand and export to new markets. We have a strong tradition in Laois of high quality food production and the Blas na hÉireann awards are a celebration of the best in class for these local dynamic food businesses.” Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise, LEO Laois
Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are open from 17th March for producers across all categories, with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until 2nd April and the deadline for all entries being the 15th May.
“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”
The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.
Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
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 Laois winners…
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
The Best in Laois award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Laois LEO
You can find details of Laois Local Enterprise here
localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie
057 8661800
Best in Kildare award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Kildare supported by Kildare LEO.
Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are open from 17th March for producers across all categories, with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until 2nd April and the deadline for all entries being the 15th May.
“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”
The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.
Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
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 Kildare finalists & 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 Kildare award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Kildare LEO
You can find details on Kildare LEO here
localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie
045 98038
Free Branding Event for Irish Food & Drink producers
FREE BRANDING EVENT
Are you ready to dial up your food or drink brand? 🚀
🌟 There is an exciting NEW BRANDING EVENT for Irish Food & Drink producers to Dial Up your Food Brand! This FREE EVENT is fully funded by Taste 4 Success Skillnet. and is designed by Annie Dunne of the art of GRATE food, in association with Blas na hÉireann.
Join us for an educational day on unlocking the secrets of brand building to elevate your business.
Hear insights from industry experts, including brand specialist Pat Kinsley (founder of design agency Neworld), entrepreneur Richard Cullen (founder of the Jelly Bean Factory), marketing & communications specialist Sharon Noonan, and consumer insights expert Michelle Frawley of mykidstime
📅 DATE: 22 May 2024, 10.00am-2.30pm
📍 VENUE: Bia Innovator Campus, Athenry / or you can join VIRTUALLY
🌐 Sign Up here t4s.ie/BrandBiteReg
This event is open to ALL Irish Food & Drink Producers.
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE!
Attendees will have the chance to apply for the BrandBite Training Programme, receiving a comprehensive brand workshop, a full brand toolkit, new packaging design, and more! The BrandBite Training Programme is significantly funded by Taste 4 Success Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland to support food/drink companies to build their food brand. T&C’s apply.
Eligibility for the Training Programme is subject to the following criteria:
- Has attended Building Your Brand for Business Success on 22 May
- Producer has been a Blas finalist or winner in the past 3 years
- Demonstrates a strong business case and ambition for growth
- Is consciously working to help the climate, local community and/or has an ESG plan in place
- Product is in a new or developing category
- Product is produced in the Republic of Ireland
- Participant is available for the 12 week duration of the programme (average 2-3 hours per week)
- Participant agrees to contribute 25% of the programme fee (€4,997)
Backyard on the Road “Buyer Focus”
The Backyard on the Road was back again this Spring. As always it was a space to hear from industry experts, both in learning presentations and discussion panels and network with your fellow food & drink producers. This year’s sessions are focussed on the buying process….
Sessions covered…
- Understanding the Buying Process
- Distribution & Routes to Market
- New Product Development
Plus…
- Dealing with Buyers
- Research & Meeting preparation
- Negotiation & maintaining the relationship
Speakers will include our mentors Annie Dunne (The Art of Grate Food), Brian McDermott and Malachy O’Connor (Food First Consulting) who will be delivering presentations as well as chatting with panellists representing buyers from across the industry (retail & food service) including Aldi, Holland & Barrett, Lidl, Marks & Spencers, Odaios Foods, Sysco Foods, Tesco alongside Bank of Ireland and Bord Bia
Update…
This event has now taken place and was a sell out event. If you missed it on the day you can sign up to follow up content, to register to receive this content drop us a line to events@irishfoodawards.com
Best in Cavan Award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Cavan supported by Cavan LEO.
“Local Enterprise Office Cavan and Cavan County Council are eagerly anticipating the 18th year of the Blas na hÉireann awards.” said Dermot Gallagher, Head of Enterprise, LEO Cavan.
“We’re proud to support The Irish Food Awards and strongly encourage Cavan producers to seize this valuable opportunity to showcase their products on a national stage. The ‘Created In Cavan’ food and drink network producers aim to build on the success achieved in Dingle last year, while celebrating the exceptional quality of food and drink produced not only in Cavan but across the country. Our passionate local producers create some of the finest food and drink in Ireland, and we’re thrilled to offer them a platform to showcase their products and tell their unique stories.”
Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are open from 17th March for producers across all categories, with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until 2nd April and the deadline for all entries being the 15th May.
“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”
The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.
Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
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 Cavan finalists & 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
Best in Westmeath award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Westmeath supported by Westmeath LEO.
“LEO Westmeath are delighted to once again work with Blas na hÉireann to recognise and reward the best of Irelands food producers.” said Tracey Tallon, Head of Enterprise, LEO Westmeath. “Over the last number of years, Westmeath have had a number of exciting and innovative products entered from our food producers.”
Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entry deadline for all entries being the 15th May.
“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”
The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.
Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
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 Westmeath winners…
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 Westmeath award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Westmeath LEO
You can find more details on Westmeath LEO here
localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie
Best in Roscommon award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Roscommon supported by Roscommon LEO.
Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are open from 17th March for producers across all categories, with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until 2nd April and the deadline for all entries being the 15th May.
“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.”
The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.
Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
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 Roscommon winners…
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 Roscommon award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Roscommon LEO
You can find more details on Roscommon LEO here
localenterprise@roscommoncoco.ie
0906626263/37100
Best in Mayo award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink. There is also an opportunity for a producer to be awarded in every county with Best in Mayo supported by Mayo LEO
John Magee, Head of Enterprise with Mayo County Council “Local Enterprise Office Mayo is delighted to support the Blas na hÉireann awards again this year. The awards recognise and celebrate the highest quality food and drink produce throughout the country and we continue to work with our local producers across these sectors in Mayo offering a range of supports to help grow and scale their business. We encourage all local food and drinks businesses to take part in these awards as an opportunity to promote their products and reach a wider market.”
Entries will finally close for this year’s awards on May 16th, with judging happening over the summer months and the awards announced on Friday 4th of October. After a wonderfully successful year in Dingle in 2023 celebrating Irish food and drink producers, the excitement for the upcoming awards this October is already building.
“It’s hard to believe we are now in our 17th year running the awards,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Looking back to when we started and had just under 400 applications to where we are now with nearly 3,000 entries last year, it is testament not only to the fantastic food and drink producers of Ireland, but also to the measurable impact these awards have on small artisan businesses. Since creating the Blas village, we have seen even more momentum and opportunities for producers with high engagement between them and key industry buyers. We are very much looking forward to seeing what this year brings and welcoming new producers participating right across the island.”
Together with the Food Science Dept of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, the team at Blas na hÉireann have developed a blind-tasting judging system that is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.
Winners and finalists are always the best Blas ambassadors — something to which many hundreds of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won a Blas na hÉireann award and proudly put the winner’s sticker on their product can attest. Research has shown that the Blas na hÉireann accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the award logo on products encourages shoppers to buy – it is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.
Key dates for 2024
16th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
Mid August – Finalists Notified
4th October – Blas na hÉireann awards presented
(Blas Village with Networking, Showcase, Awards & Eat Ireland in a Day running from 4th – 6th Oct)
2024 Categories
2024 Delivery Locations & Dates for Judging
2024 Entry Form
A look back at 2023 Mayo winners…
