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Blas na hEireann

The Irish Food Awards

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This year there are three Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions as voted by Irish food producers — Caroline Hennessy, Santina Kennedy, and Anthony O’Toole

May 22, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Santina Kennedy, Caroline Hennessy, and Anthony O’Toole are the Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025. The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country and 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. Photo: Joleen Cronin

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

Fallon Moore (Blas na hÉireann), Anthony O’Toole, Santina Kennedy, and Caroline Hennessy are the Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025, with Artie Clifford (Blas na hÉireann). The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country and 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. Photo: Joleen Cronin


Filed Under: Featured

Best in Monaghan award at Blas na hÉireann supported by Monaghan LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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 Monaghan supported by Monaghan 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 Monaghan 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

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Name: Eugene McKenna Company: Silver Hill Duck Town: Emyvale County: Monaghan pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Fallon Moore, Blas na hEireann and David Henderson, Total Food Machines, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Martin Smith Company Connolly Organic Eggs Town Emvyle County Monaghan pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Deborah Henderson, Total Food Machines, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Dick Dooley Company Connolly Meats Town Scottstown County Monaghan pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Deborah Henderson, Total Food Machines, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Eddie Rudzinskas Kevin Redmond Company Foraged and Infused Town Monaghan County Monaghan pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie

Best in Monaghan at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Monaghan LEO
You can find details on Monaghan LEO here

info@leo.monaghancoco.ie
047 71818

Filed Under: Featured

Best in Dublin Award at Blas na hÉireann supported by Dublin LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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 Dublin supported by Dublin 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 Dublin 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

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Sylvia Kennedy, Treats by Silvia, in Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Lisa Rowan Tesco, Rachel Grimes, Amanda Madden, Edward Spelman Company Ballymaguire Foods Town Lusk County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and David Chandler, Blenders, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Lynn Downey, Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Barbara Fitzpatrick Company Cookie Dó Town Tallaght County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Colin Lavery, Andrews Ingredients, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Laura Teegan Company Teegan’s Treats Town Firhouse County Dublin 24 pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Darren Burke, Alert Packaging, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Keith Ellis Company Java Republic Town Dublin County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Darren Burke, Alert Packaging, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Dermot Skehan Liz Skehan Company Fresh Cook Foods Town Dublin County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Darren Burke, Alert Packaging, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Patrick FitzGerald and Deirdre FitzGerald Company Fitzers Food Company Town Dublin County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Evan Fox, IMPACT Labelling Systems, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Diarmuid Shanahan Company Freshways Town Dublin County pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Evan Fox, IMPACT Labelling Systems, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Diarmuid Shanahan Company Freshway Foods Town Dublin County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name: Stephen Carr, Giorgio Lisi, Glen Mooney Company: Sorrento Pizza Town: Dublin County: pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and Emmett Logue, Andrews Ingredients, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name: Naomi Byrne and. Alex Farrell Company: Naomi’s Kitchen Town: Glenegeary County: Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and Emmett Logue, Andrews Ingredients, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name: Louis Williams an d Adam McMenamin Company: Two Fifty Square Coffee Roasters Town: Dublin County: pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and Stephen Power, Alert Packaging, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name: Audrey Madden, Colm Storey and Eilish Irwin Company: Keogh’s Crisps Town: Oldtown County: Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Prof. Joe Kerry, UCC. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Tadgh O’Meara, Graham Murphy, Company Kish Fish Town Coolock and Howth County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and David Chandler, Blenders, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Mari Donelan, Bernard Donelan Company Dan and Monstro Homemade Sauces Town Monaghan and Dublin County Monaghan and Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and David Chandler, Blenders, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Dermot and Liz Skehan Company Fresh Cook Foods Town Dublin County Dublin pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and David Chandler, Blenders, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie

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

You can find details of your local office as follows….

Dublin City
South Dublin
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Fingal

Filed Under: Featured

Best in Donegal award supported by Donegal LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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 Donegal supported by Donegal 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. Entry deadline is 15th May.
“The Local Enterprise Office in Donegal has long supported the ethos of Blas na hÉireann. Studies show that the Blas accreditation is the most recognised among Irish consumers, and products displaying the award logo are more likely to be chosen by shoppers – it’s a trusted mark of quality for Irish-made goods. Donegal food producers have achieved consistent success at Blas na hÉireann over the years, and we actively encourage local businesses to take part annually. Through our Food Coast Donegal initiative, we are proud to champion the county’s food and drink producers, working to grow a vibrant local food sector and showcase Donegal’s rich culinary culture. The Blas na hÉireann Awards have played a key role in this journey, serving as a valuable springboard for many of our local food and drink businesses.”
Brenda Hegarty, Donegal LEO

Over the years, Donegal has enjoyed great success at Blas na hÉireann, and previous winners include: An Dalach Mor Teoranta, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Filligans handmade preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, McConnell Meats, Natural Dairies and Wild Fuschia Bakehouse.

“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 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

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
Name: Shane McConnell Company: McConnell Meats Town: Ballybofey County: Donegal pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann and David Henderson, Total Food Machines, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name John McGarvey and Rhonda McGarvey Company Donegal Rapeseed Oil Town Raphoe County Donegal pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann and Evan Fox, IMPACT Labelling Systems, sponsor. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Rosaria Piseri Gabriella Mastromatteo Company AlgaSu Town Glencolmcille County Donegal pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie
Name Marianne O’Donnell Company Kombucha Na Dalaigh Town Gortahork County Donegal pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend from John Sheehy, Blas na hEireann. Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. This year saw another strong year of entries with over 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. The final Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards were announced on Friday 4th October.   Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com Issued on behalf of Blas Na Eireann Further info: Hattie Wrixon – Host – hattie@hostandcompany.ie

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

Filed Under: Featured

Connecting Communities & Enterprise for Sustainable Food

March 27, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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

Filed Under: Featured

Backyard on the Road 2025

March 26, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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…

Filed Under: Featured

Best in Louth award at Blas na hÉireann

March 20, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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 Louth supported by Louth LEO. 

“Louth Local Enterprise Office are delighted to once again sponsor Best in County Louth at the 2024 Blas na hÉireann awards.” said Sarah Mallon, Head of Enterprise, LEO Louth. “Renowned for quality the awards are a fantastic way to highlight the producers and products of county Louth. Applications are now open for 2025 and I would encourage all eligible Louth producers to apply.”

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 Louth  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

Blas 2024-AllenKiely-4670
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The Best in Louth award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Louth LEO
You can find more details on Louth LEO here 

info@leo.louthcoco.ie

042 933 5457

Filed Under: Featured

Are you involved in food / drink tourism?

January 27, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

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.

Filed Under: Featured

Meet the Maker- All About Kombucha

December 13, 2024 by Irish Food Awards

After finishing their business degrees, moving to Canada and home again and starting two previous business ventures, their first batch of Kombucha was brewed in 2017 and they have not looked back since.

On a mission to bring more Kombucha into the world, life long friends Keith and Emmett started on a Journey in 2017 to create a Kombucha which is “good on the gut, good to the planet and good on the palate” – ticking all the boxes in our opinion!

All about Kombucha won Gold for their ‘Organic Raspberry’ in the non alcoholic drinks- Fermented category as well as winning the Rogha na Gaeltachta Award for 2024.

At Blas, the awards are based on blind tasting. Our judges review solely on the food and drink they are tasting. They don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers just like Keith & Emmett from All about Kombucha

When & why did you start your business?

We started way back when, in ‘17. A simpler time, an easier time.. the only downside was that there wasn’t enough Kombucha in the world!

We got a taste for the fermented tea over in Vancouver that followed us back home. It was a thirst that we could not shake off. We followed our guts (pun intended) and began our journey of All About Kombucha.

Who is your food inspiration?

My mother (aka Liz Loftus). She cooked everything from scratch. I had no idea how high my mothers standards were until I used to go over to people’s houses for dinner. I remember as a child getting so excited by my friend telling me that her dad made the best chilli con carne in the world. I could not wait. My legs were kicking and mouth salivating at the kitchen table waiting.. waiting for this meal. And then it brought a tear to my eye after I tasted it, and not a good tear. It tasted like..NOTHING! 

I always strive to make the ordinary taste extraordinary. I still haven’t figured out if it’s a blessing or a curse. So thanks mom x

What do you love about your job?

I don’t get the ‘Sunday scaries’. People tell me they feel dread about their weekend ending. Sometimes I can’t wait for it to end! The buzz we have at All About HQ is brilliant. We’re a close knit team working together on big projects making our wildest aspirations come to life. The work is far from easy but it’s satisfying. We work as a team, eat as a team and laugh as a team. There’s something special about what happens behind the scenes at All About Kombucha and I put that down to the energy that goes into the product behind the scenes.

What is your typical day?

Let us not forget we’re in Winter so my day routine bends with the seasons. 

It’s dark when I get up and dark when I go to bed so the energy levels take a hit for sure!

I exercise before work and *try* to keep off technology before I go into work. That clears my head and gives me a steady foundation for the day.

As we’re a team of 10 there are a lot of check ins and meetings to keep everything moving in the right direction. 

The day moves in projects and strategies, brainstorming and creating plans to move along the tasks. No day is the same!

Where do your ingredients come from?

As we’re organic our options are limited. 

We work with Beachlawn organics for whatever fruits and vegetables we can get off them but we don’t have the climate for tea here.

The Netherlands is the hub of Organic produce for the EU and we source a lot of our raw ingredients from them. Our tea comes from the ancient lands of India and Vietnam. Every can of Kombucha you get is fairly well traveled.

Tell us about the people you work with?

They’re everything. The people we work with are everything to All About!

We’ve got myself (Keith) and Emmett, Anna and Emma, Lorna and Audrey, James and Tessa, Luke and Thelma.

It’s a wild eclectic crew of characters who come together to work hard and make Booch. I feel like they all care for the product and genuinely care about one another.

Who would we be and where would we be without them?!

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business? 

Fun, innovative and hard working.


Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business?

Doubling down on your strengths and becoming very aware of your weaknesses.

You have to play to your strengths for obvious reasons as that’s what makes you unique. You need to be aware of your weaknesses because that’s where you’ll fail. A ‘successful business’ is a series of symbiotic processes and relationships all working together for the greater good. You as a person can only do so much but you as a leader can 10x your results by empowering your people and paving the way. 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: All about Kombucha, Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food & Drink, Meet the Maker

Meet the Maker- Sligo Oyster Experience

December 4, 2024 by Irish Food Awards

With a background in tourism, a desire to be her own boss and a grá to move back home to Sligo- WB’s Coffee house opened its doors in 2014. While moving home, Aisling met Glenn Hunter, an Oyster Farmer and fell in love with both the farmer and oysters.

In 2018 Aisling spotted a gap in the market and developed the Sligo Oyster Experience. Bringing her experience from her tourism and hospitality past to the Oyster Farm, Aisling now offers Tours and Tastings as well as her successful Café which is now in its 10th year of business.

Sligo Oyster Experience won the BIM Seafood Innovation award 2024

At Blas, the awards are based on blind tasting. Our judges review solely on the food and drink they are tasting. They don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers just like Aisling at Sligo Oyster Experience

When & why did you start your business?

I opened the café WB’s Coffee House in November 2014, we just celebrated 10 years in business 😊

The café was the family pub since 1968 and we lived above it for years. Then my dad rented it out.

My dad Kevin passed away in March 2014 and 3 weeks later I decided to move back to Sligo and open the empty premises as a café. I always wanted my own business, and it also was a way I could stay connected with him.

At the same time I moved home I met Glenn Hunter who also happened to be an Oyster farmer so I fell in love with Oysters and the farmer 😊  My background was in tourism and I instantly thought the oyster farm would be something people would love to visit so I started the Sligo oyster experience in 2018 which included oyster tastings in the café, shucking demonstrations and visits to the oyster farm.

Who is your food inspiration?

I love Fionntan Gogarty from Wildwood Balsamics , his knowledge of herbs and the land is fascinating and I loved tasting all the different flavours to see what worked best with our oysters.  When Fionntan speaks about how he created his balsamics, I can see myself standing on the headlands in mayo with the sea salt blowing on my face. I also have to say listening to my husband Glenn speaking about the process of oyster cultivation is always so interesting and I am still learning so much about the process of growing Irish oysters. Irish Oysters are very well regarded internationally and when you see the level of care, they put into farming them I can see why. I also love how they work with nature letting the wind and the sea roll the bags which helps get that perfect tear drop shape.

What do you love about your job?

Meeting people from all walks of life and many countries is my favourite, I love that I can be on a creative call for marketing and in the afternoon out on the farm doing a tour or in the café meeting customers.

What is your typical day?

It depends on the time of year but private tours to the farm end in November and then we start making hampers for Christmas using all Irish produce with our oysters

Spring is training with Failte Ireland, and Bord Iascaigh Mhara and I will also be working on getting our new Sligo Oyster Pickle into artisan shops around the country and then looking at the export market.

Summertime is Oyster farm tours and oyster tastings in our café WB’s Coffee House

What was your best day since you started your business?

Winning the Seafood Innovation award at Blas na hÉireann was incredible and it felt amazing to win a national award that is so highly coveted.

Reaching 10 years in business was also a very big milestone and seeing customers continue to support us is the best feeling in the world. I want to continue to get better and offer our customers the best experience.

Where do your ingredients come from?

We use lots of local ingredients in our café from Sherlocks butchers, Bake shop for bread, Wildwood balsamics, Knocknarea honey, Murson farm jams, Lozies chutneys and of course our own oysters straight from the far.

Tell us about the people you work with?

Our team in the café is fantastic and I work very closely with my manager Aoife and head chef Anna, on any ideas we have for the business. I encourage everyone to also put forward any ideas or thoughts they have for the business. I also encourage them to follow their own dreams and ask what parts they would like to do more or less of and try and work towards that goal.  For example, they may have been hired as a server but they actually love to cook and bake, in that instance we will try and have them start working in the kitchen.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business? 

Interesting, learning, perseverance


What do you think is the key to success?

Keep going, be open to changing if things are not working and doing one thing every day that brings you closer to your goal.


Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business?

Winning at Blas na hÉireann was a big moment. It has given me more confidence to keep pursuing what I am doing.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food & Drink, Meet the Maker, Seafood Innovation award, Sligo Oyster Experience

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This year there are three Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions as voted by Irish food producers — Caroline Hennessy, Santina Kennedy, and Anthony O’Toole

May 22, 2025 By Irish Food Awards

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Best in Monaghan award at Blas na hÉireann supported by Monaghan LEO

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