Indie Füde, Independent Food Co. in Belfast has been named as Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion for 2022 with business partners Laura Bradley and Johnny McDowell noted for their dedication to the best of everything Irish and independent.

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 across the food industry.

Nominees for Producers’ Champion are put forward by producers early in the year, asked to nominate those they believe are representing and supporting their produce and the produce of other Irish food makers and growers in an effective and helpful way.

The 2022 Champion, Indie Füde started out as an online business in 2014 created by Johnny McDowell, an accountant with a passion for sourcing and selling the finest Irish food and ingredients. Johnny connected with former food blogger and now business partner Laura Bradley on social media, inviting her to test some of his finest products at a new pop-up shop he had established. After becoming a regular customer and with her valuable expertise, Johnny invited Laura to work for him and they haven’t looked back since.

The incredible selection of local produce proved so popular that Indie Füde moved to a larger, high street location in 2018. Indie Füde Comber is in the heart of the community and is packed full of over 700 independent artisan Irish products with the team there hosting regular tastings and meet the maker events.

Following their huge success in Comber, Johnny and Laura opened “The Cheese Edition” on the Ormeau Road in Belfast in December 2020 where the focus is mainly on the very best of Irish cheese and where every member of the team is also a member of the Academy of Cheese, meaning all customers have the experience of benefitting from in-depth knowledge about cheese and cheese makers as they shop (with the added bonus of coffee and treats too!)

“Indie Füde wouldn’t exist without the incredible producers we stock in both our shops and online store,” says Laura Bradley, “so it’s a wonderful thing to be voted Producers’ Champion by the very people who brought this business to life, and we are so happy and proud that what we do at Indie Füde is valued and recognised by the producers we work with every day.”

“It’s fantastic to be named as Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion for 2022,” adds Johnny McDowell. “We love being at the centre of the community in both Comber and on the Ormeau Road with the opportunity that brings to showcase some of the exceptional Irish produce available on the island. We’re honoured to be part of the Irish food scene and it’s a pleasure to have our efforts acknowledged in this way. Working with our amazing team who are just as passionate about Irish food as we are is a joy, as is working with the wonderful extended community of artisan producers from all over Ireland.”

“Johnny and Laura at Indie Füde are so deserving of this award,” says Artie Clifford, Chairman of Blas na hÉireann. “We saw a big trend in nominations this year towards independent retailers, which was an interesting shift in emphasis. Producers themselves know the value that having stock on shelves can do for their product and having independent retailers investing in and believing in them — that commitment is priceless. I think consumers have reconnected with their local independent retailers over the past two years too, and value the knowledge and appreciate the time they get when they shop local. This is a really positive sign and with people like Johnny and Laura leading the charge in expertise and commitment to Irish producers, everyone is a winner.”

Joining past Producers’ Champions like Simon Coveney TD, Neven Maguire, John & Sally McKenna, Shane McArdle, Kai’s Jess Murphy, Darina Allen, Rory O’Connell and Rachel Allen and last year’s winner, Brian McDermott, Johnny and Laura at Indie Füde are keeping very good company indeed.

Final call for entries to Blas na hÉireann 2022 – closing date is 20^th May and costs €80 per entry (ex VAT).https://www.irishfoodawards.com

In recent weeks The Phoenix Cinema in Dingle has been on the news quite a bit, the independent family owned cinema is reaching the end of one chapter and a community group in Dingle has been formed with the hope of beginning a new one. Their goal is to purchase the cinema from the Sullivan family and to keep it going both as a cinema but also as a venue, community space and home for arts and culture in Dingle.

If you haven’t yet seen or heard any of the news then this interview with Ray D’Arcy and two of the committee members Tor Cotton and Aoife Granville is well worth a listen: Listen here

Since the coverage we have received a couple of lovely calls and messages from producers who have happy memories of collecting their awards in Dingle and wanted to know how they could support.

We have been directing them to the committee site https://www.phoenixdingle.ie/ where there is lots more information as well as a link to donate.

It also got us looking back at videos from the awards presentations and watching this back makes us even more excited to be welcoming everyone back in person to Dingle this year. You can find the videos here
Blas na hÉireann 2018 – awards highlights
Blas na hÉireann 2019 – awards highlights

If you want to know a little about what the cinema means to all of us at Blas personally you can read more here

There are a few key details to check:

1. Check your delivery date and location. We have different dates & locations planned by category, these are crucial. Please check these on your delivery label and you can also find them here
   
2. Keep deliveries simple and we are asking producers to be especially mindful of deliveries and to use courier or postal delivery where possible & practical. In the case of large single deliveries from one producer, we will work with you to confirm an agreed delivery date and time.
   
3. Please note products should be delivered as they are presented in their packaging to the customer. 
   Our team will unpack and prepare for blind tasting.
   Please be sure to include your entry number on each sample
   
4. 3 samples of each product entered are required  
   (In the case where your product is over 1 kilo in weight, please deliver 2 samples only)
   Remember, include your entry number on each sample please
   
5. Best Before date must be included with all deliveries and all entries should be delivered with maximum possible shelflife.
   
6. All chilled products should arrive at the correct temperature for storage and will be checked on delivery.
   You can find some helpful info on chilled delivery options here
   
7. Any products which do not adhere to the delivery terms or which are not delivered on time will be disqualified from the competition.

If you have questions just ask us
If you have different delivery dates or locations, we will make every effort to consolidate if we can, just ask us
If you are unsure about anything in the above, just ask us

Fallon – 087 9029329
Artie – 087 2026420
info@irishfoodawards.com

Last year, when we could not gather together for the awards we visited producers to compile some short films as an insight to what Blas means to them. We also asked what it means to them when a customer chooses to support their business

Every time a customer chooses the very best of Irish food & drinks, into your basket or onto your table it means the world to the producers all across Ireland. The support in Ireland for local producers throughout 2020 & 2021 has been incredible, here’s to that continued support of Irish food & drinks for 2022

A massive thank you to those who took part….

Barry from Fitzgerald’s Butchers in Fermoy

David from Mauds Icecream in Carrickfergus

Fiona & Malcolm from Wild About in Gorey

Geraldine from Stonewell Cider in Cork

Graham from The Cupcake Bloke in Rialto

Kevin from Gloun Cross Dairy in Dunmanway

Laura & Tom from Wexford Home Preserves in New Ross

Pauline from Killowen Farm in Enniscorthy

Tom & Norma from Bó Rua in Ballynoe (Fermoy)

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, returns to Dingle in 2022 with entries open this St. Patrick’s Day

Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2022 open this St. Patrick’s Day and all roads will certainly lead to Dingle in the autumn as the awards weekend returns to the pretty seaside town for their first in-person event in two years. Regarded by many as a key event in the Irish food industry’s calendar Blas na hÉireann, like so many others, celebrated their finalists and winners online for the past two years leaving a significant gap in the food and drink calendar. 2022 will see the welcome return of this important weekend of celebrations, and the great and good of the Irish food and drinks scene will descend on Dingle once more.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be planning our awards in Dingle this year,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairman, Artie Clifford. “We were lucky to have been able to move quickly in 2020 and while we were in a position to run our judging throughout the summer months in the last two years, we weren’t able to welcome everyone together for the networking and awards. We are proud of the celebrations that we hosted online, and the awards were a huge success, managing to highlight the best of Irish food and drink during a really difficult time. The one thing that was said over and over to us though was that people missed being in Dingle, so we can’t wait to welcome our Blas family home this year and celebrate our 2022 finalists in person.”

This year is the 15th year of Blas na hÉireann with last year seeing a huge increase in entries and many new producers entering the awards for the first time.  The blind-tasting judging system which was designed by The School of Food and Nutritional Science at U.C.C. under the supervision of Prof. Joe Kerry and the team at Blas is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.

Winners are always the best Blas ambassadors, something to which 15 years-worth of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won a Blas award and proudly put the winner’s sticker on their product can attest. Research has shown that the Blas 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.

Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2022 open on 17^th March. There is an early bird fee of €65 (ex VAT) until 8^th April.
The full entry fee, applicable from 9^th April to 20^th May is €80 per entry (ex VAT).

Enter online

Key dates for 2022
17th March – Open for entries
8th April – Last day to avail of the earlybird rate
20th May Final date for entry
June/July/August – Judging – full dates can be found here
30th Sept / 1st October – Awards are announced

2022 Online entry form

The Backyard at Blas is back with a spring programme of learning, sharing insights, positive chats and conversations.
Who better to hear from than the wonderful bunch of people that producers have told us have been their heroes and supporters.

In 2021 we asked producers’ to nominate people who they felt were doing their utmost to support and promote Irish food. It was very clear that local support was invaluable to producers and this was evident in the suggestions that came back from producers. So much so that rather than just one name coming forward from the nominations, they saw a dream team of champions being suggested all across the country who had supported producers in a very tough year.

Brian mcDermott was announced as the overall Producers’ Champion alongside a dream team of champions who have supported producers through the past few very tough years. Read more on this here

As we started to plan for Blas 2022, beginning with our spring programme, we couldn’t think of anyone else we would rather learn from!

The Backyard at Blas is a space full of positive conversation, learning and support for food & drink producers.
Our spring sessions are open to all producers and are a chance to gain knowledge and find support for your business. 

The spring sessions will take place online. We will have a series of talks asking these Irish food champions to share what they see as special, what makes something great in their eyes.

We will be looking at the perspectives of chefs, buyers, writers, distributors, business experts.
The focus will be on sharing with the producers what they can do to be successful in the eyes of the industry.

The sessions are open to all Irish food & drink producers, you can register here.

If you can’t make it at the scheduled time you can still register and we will share the recording afterwards
The sessions are free to attend and the online learning has been supported by Taste4Success Skillnet.

The line up
Please note there are some more to be announced

Monday 7th March
11am – Brian McDermott – Product Development – What are they keys to successful new development

Wednesday 9th March
9.30am – GastroGays – Russell & Patrick chat about what makes successful social media
11am – Conor Spacey – Responsible sourcing in a kitchen
1pm – Ciara Leahy – What makes a great story

Thursday 10th March
10am – Johnny from Indie Fude on working with an independent retailer
12noon – Gaz Smith chats about how to approach a chef

Friday 11th March
9.30am – Sean Hussey, Hussey Fruit & Veg on the challenges of distribution
11am – Oonagh Monahan on the business of food 
12 noon – Joe McNamee chats about introducing a new product to the marketplace: How to directly target both ordinary consumers and also restaurant chefs to build brand recognition

Tuesday 15th March
11am – Olivia Duff from The Boyne Valley Food Series on the importance of a network for food producer, how to work within a network

Register here.

Special Sale on Older Stock
50% off all older labels in stock – limited time and while stocks last

2019 – Chef’s Choice / Best in County / Best in Farmers Market / Finalist / Gold
2018 – Gold / Silver / Bronze / Finalist / Best in County / Best in Farmers Market / Chef’s Choice
2017 – Gold / Silver / Bronze / Finalist
2016 – Chef’s Choice
2015 – Gold / Silver / Bronze / Finalist

Contact us by email to order – info@irishfoodawards.com

Costings:
€8.90 per 1000 (ex VAT & postage) – Reduced to €4.45 per 1000 (ex VAT & Postage)

Postage Rates:
1 – 2 Rolls @ €4.80
3 – 4 Rolls @ €6.20
5 Rolls or more @ €9.00

Please note that the labels are 25mm in diameter

Proudly Supported by Compass Group Ireland

The Blas na hÉireann Buyers’ Showcase returns this week, having last taken place in 2019 at the awards weekend in Dingle. The beautiful surroundings of Killruddery will play host to the Showcase from November 10th to 12th, proudly supported by Compass Group Ireland.

The Buyers’ Showcase is an opportunity for retail buyers from all across the country to come and view the latest Blas award-winning products in an ideal shop setting, with a view to potentially stocking them on the shelves of their own stores. In the past, products have been discovered and deals done at the Blas Buyers’ Showcase that have changed the businesses and lives of Blas na hÉireann producers.

Set up in the wonderful Milking Parlour at Killruddery, a large, spacious venue with open archways onto the courtyard for extra ventilation, this shop floor-style display showcases the 2021 finalists on the shelves, a record year for entries with many new producers reaching the finalist stage, so essentially the very best of Irish under one roof. Retail buyers are welcome to come along and view the Buyers’ Showcase but places are limited and must be registered in advance.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our Buyers’ Showcase this year,” said Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann. “The awards in 2020 and 2021 were all done virtually, and while we were so proud to be able to announce winners each year, we really missed gathering to celebrate our producers and, most importantly, putting our winning products in front of key decision-makers. The Blas Buyers’ Showcase gives attendees the time and space to consider each product and decide if it’s something their customers would enjoy. We are delighted to welcome Compass Group Ireland on board to support this event and are excited by their plans to continue to champion Irish produce and Blas na hÉireann winning products over the coming months across their 130 sites.”

Speaking about the partnership, Deirdre O’Neill, Managing Director of Compass Group Ireland said, “It is our great pleasure at Compass Group Ireland to support this important trade initiative, and to help promote recognition of the very high calibre of Irish food production and the passion and commitment of local food producers. We are delighted that almost 100 of this year’s Blas na hÉireann finalists are either direct suppliers to our kitchens or work indirectly with manufacturers supplying our business. This is a number we look forward to growing over the coming months and years as we work collaboratively with the team at Blas na hÉireann.”

Compass Group Ireland is one of Ireland’s leading foodservices providers, accounting for annual revenue on the island of Ireland in the region of €68 million. The business employs approximately 1,500 people in Ireland, largely across its onsite foodservice operations, and works with Irish food and drinks from 180 Irish food producers and suppliers, spending over €35 million a year on Irish food. Of the 40,000 meals served each day across its 130 sites, over 70% of the food sourced by Compass group Ireland is produced here.

Our Buyer’s Showcase is taking place this week (10 – 12 November) at Killruddery and we are delighted to be working with Compass Ireland to support this showcase of our 2021 finalists & winners.

Compass Ireland are working with producers all across Ireland in their kitchens across their 130 sites. We have asked producers who are working with them about their experience…

Around Noon
“Around Noon & Compass Ireland have a truly collaborative approach when it comes to their supply partnership and new product development. Around Noon’s depth of range and innovation has resulted in the availability of an extensive range of products to cater across their many sectors such as travel, business & industry and hospitality. Compass Ireland are always encouraging our business in using locally sourced ingredients and have a huge emphasis on provenance. Much to the satisfaction of their client base.” Philip Morgan, Sales Director

Goatsbridge

“Delighted to work in close partnership with Compass through our long-standing customer Atlantis. We have always felt valued as a food producer and this makes all the hard work worthwhile. Long may it continue” Mag Kirwan, Goatsbridge

Java Republic

“Java Republic has been a proud partner with Compass Group over the years. The powerful near two-decade partnership strengthens year-on-year through trust, relationships and delivered by people who care. We are always on board to train and upskill their staff, keeping thousands of people happy. We are pleased to share the common values regarding the sustainability approach and corporate social responsibility matters, giving the most to the Irish communities in which we serve.” Grace O’Shaughnessy Managing Director Java Republic

Kepak

“Kepak are proud to have partnered with Compass to deliver innovative foodservice solutions to our valued customers since 2019. This strong partnership is driven by a shared passion for quality food, constant drive for innovation and an aligned mindset on sustainability goals for the future. We look forward to continuing this partnership into 2022 as the Irish foodservice industry continues its recovery and returns to growth”.

Mark O’Brien, Channel Manager – Foods Division

Sushi King

“I have been working with Compass since 2010, over the 12 years I have found them to be so very approachable and supportive of small Irish companies” Audrey Gargan, Sushi King

Update 12th December – The Blas Box for 2021 has sold out. Thank you to everyone who has ordered.

In 2020 for the very first time we put together a Blas Box. With a selection of the best of Blas winning products from over the years, the Blas Box is the ultimate gift for the food enthusiast and in 2020 we completely sold out!

This year we have another beautiful selection of past winners, it represents the very best of Irish food and drink and includes everything you might need for your Christmas larder from boozy drinks to hot drinks, sweet treats and savoury goodies.

This year’s Blas Box has sold out, if you would like to receive an update when pre-orders open for 2022 drop us a line to info@irishfoodawards.com

2021 Blas Box

Important things to know….
Blas Box is €135 per box which includes delivery to anywhere in Ireland

The delicious selection, chosen specifically for your Christmas larder is as follows;

Drinks
Five Farms Cream Liqueur (Cork) Gold 2021
plus a Valentia Vermouth (Kerry) Bronze 2021 (100ml)
plus Ballyhoura Mulled Apple Juice (Limerick) Gold 2021

Hot Drinks
Earl Grey Blue Flower – Suki (Antrim) Gold 2021
Velo Coffee (Cork) Gold 2020
Spoon’d Malted Milk Chocolate (Dublin) Gold 2021

Sweet
Sloe Jelly – Wild About (Wexford) Gold 2021 and Supreme Champion Winner!
Caramel & Sea Salt Bar – Temptation Patisserie (Laois) Gold 2021 (& Best Start Up & Best Artisan)
Chocolate Biscuit Cake – The Cupcake Bloke (Dublin) Gold 2020
Handmade Sweets – SeaSugar (Antrim) Gold 2021
Strawberry & Elderflower Preserve – Wexford Home Preserves (Wexford) Gold 2021

Savoury
Korean BBQ Sauce from Cork! – Rebel Chilli (Cork) Gold 2021
Irish Red Onion Relish – Wexford Home Preserves (Wexford) – A special Christmas choice from multiple winners 2021
O’Donnells Cheese & Onion Crisps – O’Donnell’s (Tipperary) Gold 2021
Smoked Onion Mayo – Búilín Blasta (Galway) Gold 2021
Cranberry Crackers – Isle of Crackers (Wexford) Gold 2021

This year’s Blas Box has sold out, if you would like to receive an update when pre-orders open for 2022 drop us a line to info@irishfoodawards.com