Entries have been open online on www.irishfoodawards.com since the 17th of March. So far applications have been busy, with levels in line with previous years.

From talking to the producers in our network we know that many of you see the awards as a date to look forward to and a time to come together to celebrate the best of Irish food later in the year. 

We are also aware that many producers are under pressure at this time, whether operationally with busy production keeping shelves stocked or adapting to new ways of reaching your customers. To support producers at this time we are extending the early bird deadline for entries to 30th April. 

It is fortunate that at the moment  we are in an online stage of the Blas process, with first judging due to take place in the summer in late June and the remainder throughout July. We are working towards these dates and watching the situation closely, if any of our summer judging dates are affected we will be in touch with producers to advise of any rescheduling. 

We also ask that any individual producers with questions or concerns keep in touch with us to see how we can help. 

We hope this extension to early bird entries will help in these challenging times.  

Over the past 3 years we have been proud to bring The Backyard at Blas to life. As a venue it is a space full of positive conversation, learning and support for finalist producers.

This year, while we cannot be together in person The Backyard at Blas can still be a dedicated space to meet fellow producers, a place to gain knowledge and find support for your business.

An exciting line up of speakers will share their experience to help you grow your business. These workshops will take place online from the 21st—25th of September and are exclusively for finalist producers at Blas na hEireann 2020.

We encourage you to sign up to this year’s events online. The focus of the workshops will be on what you, as a finalist, can do to make the most of this opportunity. It will be a wonderful chance to not only hear from the experts but to meet fellow finalists as well.

Register & view the full programme here

Note:
Each session will be delivered to 20 Participants delivered online via Zoom.
Most sessions last approx. 1 hour

Note: There is a choice of 2 date/time options for each session. this is to allow flexibility for participants. Each session will cover the same topics so please just sign up for your preferred time

“Backyard at Blas was one of the highlights of the festival in previous years. It fostered a sharing of ideas between likeminded producers in an informal, fun atmosphere.  New connections were made and old relationships re-established. Such exchanges of ideas are vital to building a thriving food producer ecosystem, so it was part of the festival we in Bank of Ireland were very proud to be associated with.  While this year will be different, the team at blas have done a fantastic job setting up a range of online events that will allow producers to learn from each other and also from a team  of experts in fields such as social media, key account negotiation and product development.  The workshops will run between the 21st and 25th of September and we hope they will deliver an enduring and valuable legacy for finalist producers.”

Róisín O’Shea, Head of Food & Drink

Online learning has been supported by Taste4Success Skillnet.
We ask that you please only reserve a place if you can attend, the places are limited and it is a great opportunity for producers.

Below are the details of local producers in Tipperary If you would like to be added to the list just let us know, info@irishfoodawards.com

Remember, a simple message in these unusual times, eat well, support local producers and buy Irish food

A massive thank you to the team in the Tipperary Food Producers’ Network for their helpful updates https://www.tipperaryfoodproducers.ie/

Annie’s Organic Farm
Annie Dalton – Vegetables, Salad Leaves – www.anniesfarmtipperary.ie
Home delivery available and in store in Tipperary supermarkets

Ayle Farm Foods
Peter Randall – Jams, Chutneys, Granola – www.aylefoods.ie       
In local stores and direct order by phone 086 3680969                 

Boulaban Ice Cream
Michael Cantwell – Ice Cream – www.boulabanefarm.ie

Brookfield Farm
Ailbhe Gerrard – Honey, Lamb, Candles www.brookfield.farm Order online                            

Cashel Blue Cheese
Sara Furno – Cheese – www.cashelblue.com       
Available in stores and online ordering, plus the Tipperary Food group hamper can be ordered through here                  

Cooleeney Cheese
Breda Maher – Cheese – www.cooleeney.com   
Available in stores                        

Crossogue Preserves
Veronica Molloy – Jams, Marmalades, Chutneys, Curd & Jellies – www.crossoguepreserves.com  
Available in local shops and butchers, online ordering and home delivery available                          

Crowe’s Farm Pork         
TJ Crowe – Bacon – www.crowefarm.ie  
Online ordering and farm shop in Dundrum open                          

Derg Farmhouse Cheese             
Paddy and Kay Cooney – Cheese
www.dergfarmhousecheese.ie                              

Emerald Oils
Michael Corbett Rapeseed Oil – www.emeraldoils.ie        
Available in shops                        

Galtee Honey
Aoife Nic Giolla Coda – Honey – www.galteehoney.com
Available in local shops, online ordering and home delivery available                    

Hickey’s Bakery & Café 
Nuala Hickey – Breads, Bracks – www.hickeysbakery.com             
Available in Clonmel Bakery, local shops and online ordering                     

Inch House Pudding
Mairin Byrne – Puddings – www.inchhousepudding.ie
Available in local shops and butchers, home delivery (next day) available              

Irish Hedgerow Drinks
Julian & Helen Armitage – Elderflower Soft Drinks, Tonic, Water & Cordials – www.irish-hedgerow.ie Local & nationwide stockists on website plus option for ordering online (12 bottle case)                       

Irish Piedmontese Beef 
John Commins – Beef – https://irishpiedmontesebeef.ie/
Online ordering, home delivery and onsite pick up available                      

James Whelan Butchers
Pat Whelan – Meat – www.jameswhelanbutchers.com
Online ordering and home delivery as well as butchers open                     

Lisduff Fine Foods
Katie Tormey – Bacon – www.lisdufffoods.ie                                    

Longways Cider
James O’Donoghue – Cider – www.longwayscider.ie                                     

Mag’s Bakehouse           
Mags Bergin – Breads, Scones – www.magshomebaking.ie
Available in local stores              

Magners Egg Farm
Kylie Magner – Pasture Raised Eggs – www.magnersfarm.com
Online ordering & Home delivery available and in store in Tipperary supermarkets & butchers           

Blanco Nino
Phil Martin – Tortillas – www.blanco-nino.com                                

Nutshed
Evie and Eliza Ward – Peanut Butter – www.nutshed.ie
Online orders available               

O’Donnell’s Crisps
Kate O’Donnell – Crisps – www.odonnellscrisps.com
Available in stores                        

Red Nose Wine
Gary Gubbins – Wines – www.rednosewine.com
Available in store in Clonmel

Rivesci 
Shannon Forrest – Pesto, Cashew Chilli – www.rivesci.ie                                             

Russell Catering
Barbara Russell – Full Catering Service – www.brussellcatering.ie
Onsite, you can order by phone 086 8110749                   

Sheep Milk Ireland
Brendan Crosse – Sheeps Milk, Ice Cream – www.sheepmilk.ie                                 

Spearmans Bakery
Elaine Spearman – Bakery
Cashel Bakery Open                     

The Apple Farm
Con Traas – Apples, Cider, Apple Juice – www.theapplefarm.com
Available in farm shop and local supermarkets, online ordering and home delivery available           

The Butchers Daughter
Una O’Dwyer – Sausages, Rashers, Pudding – www.cashelfinefoods.ie
In supermarkets or Cashel butcher                        

Three Men in a Trailer
Ned Crowe – Artisan Ketchup – www.3men.ie
In supermarkets

Vera Miklas Chocolate
Vera Miklas – Modelling Chocolate, Freeze Dried Fruits – www.veramilkas.com
Online ordering plus available onsite or Bansha Garage, to order phone 086 8540220                           

Below are just some of the details of local producers in Down. If you would like to be added to the list just let us know, info@irishfoodawards.com

Remember, a simple message in these unusual times, eat well, support local producers and buy Irish food

Bara Bakehouse – are opening their shop in Comber on their normal days (Wed-Sat) from 9am, with bread pre-wrapped and contactless payments only. Their bread can also be ordered and delivered as part of the Indie Füde pick-up and delivery service. (More below about that). https://www.facebook.com/barabakehouse/

Castlescreen Farm – wee cows, BIG BEEF has all their usual Dexter Beef, lamb, bacon and pork available, with an a £30 Meat Pack on offer (while stocks last). You can collect from their farm shop (safe social distance and contactless payment of course), or for free delivery within a 10 miles radius of Downpatrick. Collection available – just pre-order so they know you are coming! https://www.castlescreenfarm.com/

Cherryvalley Farm has their own shop, The Farm Shop, in Comber fully stocked with fresh, local and seasonal vegetables from their own and neighbouring farms. Tel for delivery enquiries: 07956554727  

Deli Muru products can be bought as part of Indie Füde’s pre-order and delivery service as well as other stockists such as Two Sisters and The Dairy among others.  https://www.delimuru.com/

Indie Füde has scaled up their pre-order and delivery service with many of our producer’s products available through them. Bara Bakehouse bread can be ordered through them as part of the service.  https://www.indiefude.com/

Krazi Baker has started a delivery service to your door (delivery range Dromara, Banbridge, Lurgan, Lisburn, Hillsborough, Comber, Dromore with collection options) with £10 and £20 packages. Details on their Facebook page. http://krazibaker.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/krazibaker/

NearyNogs Chocolate Makers Bean to bar chocolate, with a product range that includes dairy free, gluten free and even sugar free options. Buy directly from them online and check out their new subscription service – https://www.nearynogs.com

Tasty Wee Numbers Home Bakery Ballynahinch, Co Down, can be ordered via their Facebook page for delivery. More options to follow. Gluten free and dairy free traybakes, cookies and their newly launched granola.

The Local Newtownards Co Down, is planning a delivery service – just check out the page for  https://www.facebook.com/thelocalni/

Below are just some of the details of local producers in Antrim. If you would like to be added to the list just let us know, info@irishfoodawards.com

Remember, a simple message in these unusual times, eat well, support local producers and buy Irish food

Abernethy Butter Company has re-stocked its stockists including Mikes Fancy Cheese, Indie Fude, Arcadia Delicatessen, and Two Sisters, to name but a few. http://abernethybutter.com/

Annie’s Delights – Homemade, jams & chutneys, breads and sweet treats via @anniesdelights1

Arcadia Delicatessen, Lisburn Road, Belfast stocks local food producers and is open Wednesday – Saturday 12pm-3pm for pre-order and collection. Pre-order from 10am by Tel 028 90 381779. Delivery free of charge to your doorstep if required minimum order £30 to postcodes BT4 BT5 BT7 BT9 BT10 BT11 BT17. https://www.facebook.com/arcadiadelicatessen/

BODEN PARK COFFEE COMPANY – have locally freshly roasted coffee for delivery (at a distance), or posted. Choice of beans roasted or ground. Packages from £5. Checkout their Facebook / Instagram page.  https://bodenparkcoffeeco.com/

Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle on the North Coast is delivering to their local area but also offering a click and collect service for their kid goat meat and free range rose veal (or delivery) from Mike’s Fancy Cheese in Belfast and McNally’s Family Farm in North County Dublin.  Check out their Facebook page, Instagram or website for details. https://www.broughgammon.com/

Crumbs Vegan Bakery (Lisburn) is taking orders by phone, direct message or email as usual. https://www.facebook.com/crumbsveganbakery/

Hellbent Irish Boerwors are available in many Spar and Eurospars, Indie Fude and Arcadia Delicatessen – check out the about section of their Facebook page to check stockist list. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreHellbent/

Jack’s Fudge can be ordered directly with them and posted, or you’ll find it in their stockists including Indie Fude, Arcadia Delicatessen, Two Sisters, to name but a few. https://www.jacksfudge.co.uk/

Ke Nako Biltong have their 3 for £12 Biltong offer still running as well as 6 sticks of droewors for £5 available through their online store https://kenakobiltong.co.uk and also through their stockists Ballylagan Organic Farm, Indie Fude and Two Sisters NI.

Man Made – has started a new delivery service to your doorstep with Salted Caramel Brownies, Triple Chocolate Cookies, Fruits & Seed Flapjacks and Carmelitas. Choose from a mixed box of 5 for £0 or 10 for £20 or 20 for £30, all including delivery to the Greater Belfast Area. Orders via Instagram or phone Dan directly on 07851 218304. https://www.facebook.com/damnfinecake/

Mikes Fancy Cheese – maker of Young Buck, cheese shop open Tuesday – Saturday, 12-5pm, on Donegall Street in Belfast City Centre for all your cheese, bread and eggs needs. One into shop at a time. On-street parking so no social distancing issues! DELIVERY on Thursday’s – DM Mike on Facebook or Instagram (@Wheresthatjoebuck). A subscription box offer is being planned. In addition, they are facilitating as a collection point for Broughgammon Farm (see their info below). http://www.mfcheese.com/

Refuge Hot Chocolate can be ordered online as always and is available at local stockists of which there are too many to list but you can find them on their website: https://refugehotchocolate.com

Big thanks to the team in Food NI for sharing updates and to Joanne in Babble for sharing some of the details updates above,

Check the list below for county by county availability including stockists, online ordering and home delivery
Working on updates as we receive, if you would like to be added email us to info@irishfoodawards.com

Antrim – Full details on page link here https://www.irishfoodawards.com/antrim/

Armagh
Harnett’s Oils can be bought at specialists food shops throughout NI and also directly from their website http://iveaghoils.com/.

Carlow
The Village Dairy are now doing milk deliveries for homes and businesses, info & orders call 0599143437 or 086 140 7963

Clare
Burren Hamper with a selection of Clare producers on https://www.burrensmokehouse.com/hampers/burren-food-trail-basket-large

St Tola have added an online shop, including a Clare cheese selection which also includes Cratloe https://st-tola-irish-goat-cheese.myshopify.com/

Cork
Bo Rua have added an online shop and you can order direct through www.boruafarm.ie

English Market stall holder Tom Durcan is not only offering home delivery from his stall but to include other producers from the market too. http://www.tomdurcanmeats.ie/

English Market – Open for business with the lovely statement, “Cork’s English Market has served the people of Cork in the face of famine, flood, war and multiple recessions  During this unprecedented public health crisis, we want to remain open to serve you, our customers. The English Market is, above all else, a food market for essential fresh produce” https://www.corkcity.ie/en/english-market/

Urru in Bandon stocked full of lovely Irish food and open for groceries www.urru.ie

Clare
Meeres Puddings have had a busy weekend of production restocked the shelves! http://www.meeresporkproducts.com/

Derry
Buchanan’s Farm Shop have made new deliveries to stockists including Indie Füde, Two Sisters, Arcadia Delicatessen and Killycowan Farm Shop. Some are offering delivery options. https://www.facebook.com/buchanansfarmshop/

Taste of Joy – Peanut Butter now available online www.tastejoyco.com

Down – Full details on https://www.irishfoodawards.com/down/

Dublin
Airfield – New Friady Market in response to current situation with great producer from their own Urban Farm and Irish producers https://www.airfield.ie/stories_news/outdoor-farmers-market/

Honest2Goodness – Open, with fantastic Irish producers as always https://www.honest2goodness.ie/

Higgins Butchers – offering collection and delivery, order by email info@higginsbutchers.ie or phone 01-8390090

Le Patissier – Cakes available online for next day collection orders@lepatissier.ie

Olly’s Farm Honey – Online shop  www.ollysfarm.ie/shop

The Village Butcher – Ranelagh is offering to vac pack orders for collection with pre-arranged time slots. Call (01) 406 6966 https://thevillagebutcher.ie/

Kerry
Bean in Dingle Online coffee orders https://www.beanindingle.com/

Dingle Distillery – Hand Sanitizer will be available soon https://dingledistillery.ie/

Rocket Deliveries Kim is doing deliveries of organic fruit, veg & groceries on the Ring of Kerry route & Tralee or collection in Cahersiveen www.rocketdeliveries.com – Kim 0874118678

Galway
Gran Grans Foods will continue deliveries to stockists around the country by post. Just call Nigel at 0872631474 with your order, online shop is also open with a reduction on the shipping cost of only €5. www.grangransfoods.ie

Micil Distillery – Traditional poitíns & Connemara gin which are available for purchase online: http://bit.ly/Purchase-Micil-Online To purchase directly from the distillery, email info@micil.ie.

Solaris Tea – Sent us there details with this message, “We wish everyone the strength to get through these unusually stressful times & find moments of trust, hope & comfort — We hope we can contribute somewhat to this with our organic speciality teas. Online ordering & home delivery is possible on: www.solarisbotanicals.com“

Louth
Ballymakenny #SpudShack drive-through! More details on Ballymakenny Farm twitter @BSpudShack

Boyne Valley Food Producers – Great boxes with choice of various selections from producers through Great Northern Larder, https://boynevalleyflavours.ie/blog/general-news/boyne-valley-flavours-producers-open-for-business/

Listoke Distillery – Have started selling hand sanitizers made on site ( admirably have donated to local shelters and charities) More info on their twitter @listokedistill

Mayo
Cabots – Producer of ready to eat fresh foods and sauces in Westport, you can order by email or phone with Redmond, details on http://cabotsofwestport.ie/

Rua Cafe – Ready to Go pots for home (and freezer) https://www.caferua.com/

Velvet Cloud on restaurant and cafe menus across the country Velvet Cloud producing live probiotic sheep’s milk yogurt have responded quickly to the change in business and you can now order direct http://velvetcloud.ie/

Meath
Boyne Valley Food Producers – Great boxes with choice of various selections from producers through Great Northern Larder, https://boynevalleyflavours.ie/blog/general-news/boyne-valley-flavours-producers-open-for-business/

Nicks Fish – Fishmongers Open & Taking Orders for Home Deliveries http://www.nicksfish.ie/

Sligo
Sligo Food Trail have a great list of businesses doing takeaway and online ordering https://sligofoodtrail.ie/takeaways-online-ordering/

Tipperary Full details on Tipperary producers here https://www.irishfoodawards.com/tipperary/

Special shout out to…
Tipperary Producers Food Boxes with a selection of Tipperary producers are being facilitated by Cashel Blue http://www.cashelblue.com/product-category/foodbox/

]

Tyrone
Ispini Charcuterie is available from its stockists including Indie Fude and Mike’s Fancy Cheese, you can also buy online from their website: https://www.ispinicharcuterie.com/

The Curious Farmer has grass-fed meat packs (subject to availability) for delivery. Also available to accompany them are menu kits, ketchup and mushroom growing kits. Check out their Facebook page or Instagram page for details or shop directly from their website.  https://www.thecuriousfarmer.co.uk/

Waterford
Ardkeen, stockists of lots of great Irish food has now added the option to take your list and get your order ready www.ardkeen.com/shop

Pipin Pear – Irish made chilled baby food are available online and instore in the dairy fridge of supermarkets nationwide www.pipinpear.com

Wexford
Macamore Buffalo – Phone & Online Orders & Home Delivery https://www.macamorebuffalo.ie/

Zaeire Chocolates – Online orders, deliveries being sent on Wednesdays weekly https://www.zaeire.com/

Wicklow
Olly’s Farm honey – online shop www.ollysfarm.ie/shop delivering to Ireland & UK

Rhoda Cocoa – Online ordering plus a fantastic competition to help develop a new flavour! https://www.rhodacocoa.com/

Big thanks to the team in Food NI for sharing updates and to Joanne in Babble for sharing some of the details updates above,

You can now order your Blas na hEireann labels direct through our team. Since the awards began 13 years ago we have been proud to work with The Label Factory in Clonmel as our only approved supplier of our award labels.

We are continuing to work with the Watershed Group (Watershed, Dublin  & The Label Factory, Clonmel)tp print our labels and the only change is that you now order them direct through our team.

Why have we made this change?
One of the main reasons is to use the power of collective purchasing to benefit all producers. You will now be able to order your rolls of labels through us at a flat rate of €8.90 per roll of 1000, even if you are only ordering a small quantity.

Essentially, our team will now be handling the orders, The Label Factory and Watershed will be handling the printing!

Why should you use the labels?
Producers who have applied the labels on pack have seen a measurable impact in sales, find out more here

To Order
You can call us on 087 9029329 or email info@irishfoodawards.com

Costings:
€8.90 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 for some special orders or older stock there may be a longer lead time, you can contact us for more details.

We are delighted to let you know that we will be working with Failte Ireland on a new space at Gifted in the RDS from the 4th – 8th of December. The event will be promoting the Taste the Island initiative and is a wonderful new opportunity for producers who might like to try exhibiting at the show for just one day.

Overall Aim
The aim of this is to highlight Blas na hEireann award winning producers (past winners and finalists) from across Ireland as well as visitor experiences and destinations who celebrate them and offer opportunities to Meet the Maker or taste the very best from across the Island. To qualify an exhibitor must meet the following criteria;

Exhibitor Criteria

• A Blas na hEireann past finalist or winner (please advise if you also have or are in the process of developing a visitor experience) 
• A destination which represents a cross section of award winning producers and is promoting these producers 
• An accommodation provider, restaurant or tour experience who highlights award winning producers through their connection with the visitor
• An author who has written travel guides or cook books highlighting award winning food producers 
  

The details 

• Gifted takes place at the RDS from the 4th – 8th of December
• There are 8 spaces available per day for each of the 5 days, broken down into 2 per region
• Exhibitors will have 1m wide counter per exhibitor 
• Branding on the counter front will be uniform tied into the overall message of Taste the Island and Meet the Maker.
  The counter and stand space will not be producer specific branding however, each exhibitor will have individual branding on a desktop A3 pull up which will be designed and in put place by the events team (essentially creating a walk in set up)
• Central storage area on the stand available for shared storage
• Spaces will be at a cost of €200 per day ex VAT 
  
  We are now taking submissions of interest, if you would like to take part you can email us to info@irishfoodawards.com  

Note:

Preference will be given to award winning producers who offer a visitor experience

Regions will be showcased through the Failte Ireland celebrated regions of Wild Atlantic Way, Hidden Heartlands, Ancient East and Dublin

Alcoholic products can only be sampled but not sold at the Fair.
Producers are not permitted to sell hot food or drinks, or any single servings of food to be consumed on the premises. 

**** Update **** The spaces are almost booked out, if you are interested in taking part please let us know asap info@irishfoodawards.com 

We are delighted to let you know that Blas na hEireann will be back at Gifted, (The National Crafts & Design Fair at the RDS) We will have a dedicated space for Blas na hEireann finalists and winners.

The show is the largest indoor retail event in the country with over 40,000 unique visitors.

The show runs for 5 days from the Wednesday 4th – Sunday 8th December. http://www.giftedfair.ie/

Blas na hEireann will be creating a dedicated, central space within the show and there are a limited number of spaces for past finalists and winners to book as follows;

Package

• Stands will be located within a central Blas na hEireann Stand Gifted
• Producers will have 1m wide counter per exhibitor (individual branding on counter) Central storage area
• Cost: €900 plus vat per stand
• How to book: Please contact Fallon in the Blas office to register your interest by email to info@irishfoodawards.com or indeed for any questions that you have and we will be happy to help.
• Once registered the Blas team will connect you directly with the office at Gifted to arrange details.

• 

  Getting Ready to Open

  Eligibility:
  All Blas winners and finalists who have not exhibited at the Fair on a stand alone exhibit in the past 3 years (ie 2015, 2016 & 2017)
  Alcoholic products can only be sampled but not sold at the Fair.
  Producers are not permitted to sell hot food or drinks, or any single servings of food to be consumed on the premises. 

We have just confirmed details of a new course on the Blas na hÉireann & University College Cork – Lecture Series 2019 which might be of interest.

Social Media and Digital Marketing for the Food Industry – Tuesday 24th of September

Social Media and Digital Marketing (Beginners) – Tuesday 24th September 8.30-12.00 – Cost: Fully Funded by Taste4Success
Social Media and Digital Marketing (Advanced) – Tuesday 24th September 12.45 – 16.15 – Cost: Fully Funded by Taste4Success

Beginners topics

• Starting your social media journey for your

business

• Setting up and linking social media accounts

• Understanding what to post and when to post

• Keywords and hashtags

• Likes, Shares and Followers

Advanced Topics

• Marketing Campaigns Design and Delivery

• Content selection and adaptation for different

platforms

• Search Engine Optimisation and Keyword

Research

• Social and Digital Media Tools

Social Media and Digital Marketing Courses will take place in University College Cork. If you wish to participate in any of theabove courses, please complete the registration form available at this here or in the attached document. Registration by Friday13th of September.

Please note that numbers are limited. Please note that this course is open to all food producers and is not exclusive to finalists.

For further information contact:
Dr Amy-Jane Troy – amyjane.troy@ucc.ie
Food Industry Training, Unit School of Food and Nutritional Sciences College of Science, Engineering and Food Science

University College Cork Telephone: 353 21 4902799