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
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Best in Laois 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 Laois supported by Laois LEO.
“Local Enterprise Office Laois is delighted to support the 2024 Blas na hÉireann awards. In Laois we are dedicating to promoting the Food & Drink Sector through the Laois TASTE brand, locally, nationally, and internationally. Our aim is to promote local provenance, strengthen the Laois food industry and transform Laois into one of Ireland’s top food destinations.” Evelyn Reddin, Laois LEO
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.”
In 2023 there were 9 Laois businesses which made it to the finalist stage, Abbey Farm Foods, Aghaboe Farm Ltd, Ballykilcavan Brewing Company, Cocoa Couture, ÍON Oil, Mueller & O’Connell Bakery, Temptation Chocolates, The Village Dairy and Valeo Foods.
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 Laois winners
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Best in Kildare award at Blas na hÉireann
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish Food Awards, open on Saint Patrick’s Day, Sunday 17th March. 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.
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Local Enterprise for Co. Kildare says: Kildare Local Enterprise Office are delighted to sponsor Best in County Kildare at the 2024 Blas na hEireann awards. The awards are a fantastic way to highlight the quality producers and products of County Kildare. These awards serve as an ideal platform for our talented artisan producers to be recognised for their world-class products on a national stage and I encourage all eligible producers to apply.
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.”
In 2023 there were 9 Kildare businesses who reached the finalist stage. Winners and finalists included Bergin’s Family Food Store, Birds Eye Ireland, Coghlan’s Bakery, Couverture Desserts Ltd, O’Brien Fine Foods, ProBars Ltd, ProKulture Organic Kombucha, Rye River Brewing and Wild Irish Game.
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 Kildare winners
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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.
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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
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Best in Cavan 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 Cavan supported by Cavan County Council.
‘Cavan County Council are already looking forward to the 17th year of the Blas na hÉireann awards. We are delighted to be supporting The Irish Food Awards again this year and encourage producers to take part in this great opportunity to promote their products at a national level. The ‘Created in Cavan’ brand is hoping to build on our accomplishments in Dingle in 2023 and look forward to celebrating the outstanding quality of food and drink produced, not only in Cavan but throughout the Country. Our dedicated local producers in ‘Created in Cavan’, lovingly create the finest food and drink in our County and we relish the opportunity to provide them with a platform to showcase their wares and communicate their own unique story.’ Marianne McDonald, Food Strategy Co-ordinator
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.”
In 2023 there were 8 Cavan businesses who were winners at Blas, Áine Handmade Chocolates, Cullys Craft Bakery, Drummully Boxty, Ice Cream Treats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, Moran’s Mega jam Ltd and Terra Ltd.
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.
“Creates a great buzz around your product and is also great for social media engagement. We are still being congratulated by local people and it gives your product recognition” Drummully Boxty
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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 Cavan winners
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Best in Westmeath 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 Westmeath supported by Westmeath LEO
Head of Enterprise Christine Charlton “LEO Westmeath are delighted to once again work with Blas na hÉireann to award the best of Westmeath food producers. Over the last number of years, there are a number of new and exciting entries from our food businesses producing innovative products.”
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.
“Participating in Blas na hEireann has greatly impacted our business profile in the most positive way. The ongoing benefits of winning the awards are something that Bon Chocolatiers will always be so grateful for.” Bon Chocolatiers
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 Westmeath winners…
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Best in Roscommon 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 Roscommon supported by Roscommon LEO
Louise Ward, head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Roscommon are delighted to support our food businesses through Blas na hEireann and would encourage you to enter for 2024. The Blas Na HEireann journey is very rewarding and highly recognised.
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.
“Our first win at Blas was in 2013 and we have continued to win several awards since then. Consistently Winning these awards is a huge sense of achievement for the Waldron Family team for our consistent hard work & dedication. Most importantly, it indicates to our customers that we are a reputable producer & our products are up there with the best of the best. It also gives us the confidence to focus on further growing our product range. Displaying the Blas Logo on our products is also an added bonus when it comes to Export opportunities indicating to retailers that our products are as good as we say they are. Attending the Blas backyard sessions provides us with key information regarding business trends that prove beneficial. Being part of the Blas community over the years has provided us with valuable opportunities to meet other producers whom we have developed strong relationships with.” Waldron Family Meats
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 Roscommon winners…
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/roscommon-001-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/roscommon-002-1024x825.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/roscommon-003-1024x749.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/roscommon-004-1024x835.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/roscommon-005-1024x742.jpg)
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…
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mayo-001-1024x801.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mayo-002-1024x810.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mayo-003-1024x802.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mayo-004-771x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.irishfoodawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mayo-005-593x1024.jpg)