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.
