Frequently Asked Questions

We are more than happy to help with any questions you have during the entry process, simply drop us a line to info@irishfoodawards.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Question? What are the rules for taking part…
Answer: Find the full list of terms here

Question: I am not sure which category to enter…
Answer: If you have viewed our full list of categories and are unsure which one to enter you can check with us by emailing info@irishfoodawards.com. Please include as much information as possible and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Question: Can I enter the same product in more than one category?
Answer: Yes. If your entry fits more than one category (such as a gluten free biscuit which could be entered in both biscuits and dietary specific) you can certainly choose to enter in both categories. To do this you will need to make two separate entries, one in each category.

Question: What is the deadline?
Answer: The very last day to enter is Thursday 15th May

Question: What are the entry fees?
Answer: €90 (plus VAT) per entry for all entries made under a producers’ brand name

(There is an early bird rate of €70 (plus VAT) per entry available from 17^th March to 2nd April) 

€180 (plus VAT) For entries which are made for a retailers’ store brand/private label

Earlybird does not apply to store brand/private label entries

Question: How do I pay my entry fees?
Answer: You can pay online at the time of entry or we can email you an invoice for entries made, this can be paid online, by phone or BACS. Entry fees must be paid within 7 days. Please note that we will email an invoice on the next working day after you submit your entries. You can of course add more entries at a later date. Once fees are completed you will receive a confirmation email which includes your entry number.

Question: I have more than one delivery date, can I deliver on the one day?
Answer: Possibly. Our judging schedule is connected with the delivery dates. If you have more than one delivery date you can deliver your entries together on the earlier date. However, please note that the entry delivered early will not be judged until it’s scheduled time and date and as such should have sufficient shelf life. You can always contact us to check re: delivery dates on info@irishfoodawards.com

 

Question: Can I send my delivery with a courier?
Answer: Yes, you can certainly. We will accept delivery from couriers or via An Post (if suitably packaged).
Soul Food are offering a flat rate  per package (max 15kg) for deliveries to judging

You can find more details on  here

Question: How should I present my entry for delivery?
Answer: Please use of Delivery Label to prepare, this includes a checklist. Download here

Question: How are the entries judged?
Answer: Our judging system was developed with UCC and the University of Copenhagen and is now recognised as an industry ‘gold’ standard worldwide. Products entered are blind tasted. Blind tasting means that all packaging and identifying features are removed from products before being presented for judging. This creates a level playing field for products from both large and small producers.

Our judges come from a range of food backgrounds; they are chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, food champions, caterers and enthusiastic home cooks. Retailers with a vested interest or producers who have entered the competition are never involved in the judging process.

Question: When will I know the results?
Answer: We will be in touch with all producers in August to advise on the progress of their entry.
Finalists will at this stage be given details of the  awards presentations .