Blas na hEireann

The Irish Food Awards

Blas Backyard – Online

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Over the past 8 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.

The Blas Backyard is a dedicated space to meet fellow producers, a place to gain knowledge and find support for your business.

The Blas Backyard is kindly supported by Bank of Ireland and an online programme supported by Taste4Success.

We have seen how much our finalists producers benefitted from a little advance preparation through our online sessions and we want to continue in that theme of preparation for success with another great online line up in 2025

These workshops will take place online from the 8th – 10th of September and are exclusively for finalist producers at Blas na hÉireann 2025. We encourage you to sign up to this year’s events online, ahead of attending the events in Dingle.

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 make first contact with fellow finalists as well.
Note:

Each session will be delivered online via Zoom. Once registered you can attend live on the day or if you can’t make it on the day we will share a recording with you.
Please note to receive recordings you must attend at least one session in person. 

Online learning has been supported by Taste4Success Skillnet.

The line up for this year….

Monday 8th September
 
8.30am – Crafting Compelling Pitches That Land
With mentor Annie Dunne
Whether it’s buyers, investors, or media, your pitch is your passport to new opportunities. This session will show you how to cut through the noise with clear, confident messaging that gets noticed—and remembered. Learn how to articulate your story and your value so your product doesn’t just reach the table, it secures the deal.
 
10am – Daily habits for a thriving business
With mentor Brian McDermott 
Success isn’t built on one big moment—it’s shaped by what you do every day. In this energising session, discover the small, consistent actions that build resilience, growth, and sustainability into your business. Walk away with practical steps to keep your focus sharp and your energy balanced—especially in the busy lead-up to the awards.
 
11.30am 7 point HealthCheck for your PR toolkit 
With mentor Vivienne Gleeson
Are you media ready? In this practical health check, Vivienne will guide you through the 7 essentials every finalist needs in their PR toolkit. From press releases that sing to key messages that stick, you’ll gain the confidence to showcase your product and story with clarity—and get noticed for all the right reasons.
 
Tuesday 9th September
 
8.30am – Irish Grocery – a snapshot of current trends, market share & insights
With mentor Malachy O’Connor
Knowledge is power when it comes to retail. This insider session offers a clear snapshot of the Irish grocery market right now—covering shopper behaviours, category insights, and emerging trends. Get the facts you need to understand where your product sits, and how to position it for growth in a competitive market.
 
10am Futureproof Your Business:Trends, Innovation & Insights 
With mentor Annie Dunne
The food industry is evolving fast—are you ready for what’s next? Annie will share the trends and innovations shaping the future of food and retail, giving you tools to anticipate change and seize opportunity. Leave with fresh perspective and strategies to make sure your business is ready not just for today, but for tomorrow.

11.30am The Recipe for Reset: Learning from Setbacks
With mentor Brian McDermott 
Every producer faces challenges—what matters is how you reset and rise again. Brian shares inspiring lessons on resilience, reframing setbacks as stepping stones, and finding the strength to keep moving forward. This is a practical and uplifting session designed to remind you that even detours can lead to success.
 
 
1pm Social Media 2025: Content that Clicks!
 
With mentor Sharon Noonan
This punchy, practical masterclass will help Blas na hÉireann finalists sharpen their social media presence ahead of the awards. Learn how to showcase your brand with impact, craft posts that spark engagement, and turn your platforms into powerful storytelling tools. Whether you’re a seasoned poster or just finding your feet, this session will give you the confidence and clarity to stand out online—right when it matters most. Your #Blas2025 finalist products deserve the spotlight. Let’s make sure your socials do too.
 
Wednesday 10th September
 
8.30am Storytelling to selling. Is your message on point to deliver back to your bottom line?
With mentor Vivienne Gleeson
The story behind your brand is your strongest sales tool—but only if it’s told with clarity and impact. In this session, learn how to fine-tune your message so it connects emotionally with customers, buyers, and the media—while ultimately delivering back to your bottom line.
 
10am Networking that Works: Building Real Connections Online & Off
With mentor Sharon Noonan
This fast-paced, energising session is designed to help Blas na hÉireann finalists make meaningful connections that last long after the awards. Whether you’re hoping to meet buyers, journalists, or fellow producers with collaboration potential, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to approach the right people with confidence and authenticity. Discover how to network with purpose—online and in person—so you can turn chance encounters into real opportunities. Your next big break might be one conversation away. Let’s make sure you’re ready for it.
 
11.30am – Insight-Driven Selling: Turning Data into Growth Opportunities
With mentor Malachy O’Connor
 
Data isn’t just numbers—it’s a roadmap for smarter selling. Malachy will show you how to use insights to identify growth opportunities, sharpen your sales approach, and build stronger customer relationships. Learn how to translate information into action, so you can make better decisions and achieve better results.
 

Register Here

Delivering to Dingle for Blas na hÉireann Finalist Showcase 2025

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For those of you who are through to the finalist stages of Blas na hÉireann, you can deliver either in person, with courier or with An Post, etc. Once it gets to us safe and sound on the dates/time requested!

Products should be delivered as they are presented in their packaging to the customer. Samples will be displayed in their shop ready state. Products do not need to be delivered by the producer. Courier deliveries can be accepted. Dates for delivery as follows….

  • Chilled & short shelf life samples Deliver to The Blas Village, Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry V92RR76 Deliveries accepted on Wednesday 1st October only 9am – 4pm
    Please note that Soul Food are offering a chilled courier service from Dublin in a shared delivery. If you are interested please email bill@soulfood.ie for more details 
  • Ambient & long shelf life samples Deliver to Blas na hÉireann, Dykegate Lane, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 H365. Deliveries accepted Mon 22nd – Friday 26th September 9am – 5pm.
    Please be sure to send any ambient / longer shelf life samples in this week to our office address. 
    The showcase build is busy and the more prep we can do in advance the better it is for the display!

If you are using a courier and need chilled delivery…

Soul Food are delighted to offer a courier service to Finalists.

Collection/aggregation will be in Dublin on Tuesday 30th Sept 2025 between 12 Noon and 4pm, 

Delivery to Dingle on 1st Oct 

Cost per box up to 15Kg (50cmx50cmx50cm) is €60 plus vat where applicable.
Booking essential by latest date Sept 8th

For bookings please email bill@soulfood.ie with the following information 

  • Number of boxes
  • Your payment method
  • Name of company
  • Name of the product
  • Storage temperature (chilled/ frozen / ambient)
  • General food/drink category
  • Note any raw meat items 

Contact Bill on 0858582384 or email for any clarification or queries. 

For all deliveries….

  • When sending, remember…
  1. It is vital that the entry number is included clearly (Example 1a-24-10123)
    Please include this on the back or underneath every sample so that display products appear at their best.
  2. Two samples of each product (Note, if your product exceeds 1 kg per sample in this case 1 samples will suffice) Best Before date must be included on each sample. All chilled products should arrive at the correct temperature for storage Sampling & Display in The Marquee
  3. The finalist products will be displayed in their shop ready state. The Blas team will prepare this display.
  4. Please note that we will not be able to offer space for display stands, leaflets or sampling.
  5. We do not have the space or facilities to allow producers to offer samples of the products. We may select some products which our team will prepare and offer as samples to buyers and press. This is a very limited amount, based entirely on the facilities, space available and food samples ease of preparation (essentially ‘open & serve’).

Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of FoodSpace and kitchen sustainability advocate, is named this year’s Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion 2024

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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

Best in Laois Award at Blas na hÉireann

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The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 5 exceptional producers from Co. Laois making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Laois  across a wide range of categories are Aghaboe Farm Foods, G’s Gourmet Jams Ltd., Mueller & O’Connell Bakery, Zephyr Yard and The Village Dairy.

“We are incredibly proud to see five outstanding Laois food producers shortlisted as finalists in the upcoming Blas na hÉireann Awards.” said Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Laois. “This recognition is a testament to their hard work, innovation, and the exceptional quality of food being produced right here in our county. These businesses not only represent the best of Laois, but they also showcase the strength and potential of our local food sector on a national stage. We wish them every success in the final.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.

Key dates for 2025
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 Laois  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

The Best in Laois award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Laois LEO
You can find details of Laois Local Enterprise here 
localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie
057 8661800

Best in Kildare award at Blas na hÉireann

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Blas na hÉireann 2025 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Kildare producers

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The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 9 exceptional producers from Co. Kildare making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Kildare across a wide range of categories are Bergins Family Butchers, Coghlans Bakery Products Ltd., Couverture Desserts Ltd., O’Brien Fine Foods, Rye River, The Dew Drop Brewhouse, The Grill Shack, Trouble Brewing, Wild Women Bitters Ltd and T/A Beara Bitters.

“We are proud to  be associated with the Blas na hÉireann  Awards this year and delighted  to see the quality and  range of our  finalists  which is truly representative of the best of Co. Kildare’s distinctive food and beverage culture, at all levels, from micro enterprises to sustainably scaled producers.’ said Jacqui Mc Nabb,Kildare County Council’s Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism. “We wish the finalists well with the remainder of the competition.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.

www.irishfoodawards.com

Notes to Editors:

Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island of Ireland, open to all 32 counties. Judging took place during June and July. Finalists have been announced in mid-August. Awards will be presented in Dingle on Friday 3rd October, with the full Blas weekend (Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day) running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th  October.

Key dates for 2025

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 Kildare finalists & 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

The Best in Kildare award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Kildare LEO
You can find details on Kildare LEO here
localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie
045 98038

Free Branding Event for Irish Food & Drink producers

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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. 

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”

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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

Best in Cavan Award at Blas na hÉireann

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The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 9 exceptional producers from Co. Cavan making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Cavan across a wide range of categories are Aine’s Chocolates Ltd., Cullys Craft Bakery, Drummully Boxty, Ice Cream Treats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, Morans Megajam Ltd., Taste Counts Limited T/A Mushrooms & Love and Terra Ltd.

“LEO Cavan are delighted that County Cavan will be well represented at the forthcoming Blas na hÉireann awards with 9 producers making the 2025 finals.” said Conor Craven, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council. “This is a fantastic  testament to their hard work and dedication over the years and we are very excited that we’ll be representing County Cavan at these prestigious Irish Food Awards. They are a credit to County Cavan, showcasing the finest locally produced food and drink on offer.  LEO Cavan & Cavan County Council are delighted to support and encourage local producers and will continue to work with  ‘Created In Cavan Food  & Drink Network’ to promote Cavan as a vibrant food destination.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.

www.irishfoodawards.com

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 Cavan finalists & 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

Best in Westmeath award at Blas na hÉireann

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Blas na hÉireann 2025 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Westmeath producers

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The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 5 exceptional producers from Co. Westmeath making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Westmeath across a wide range of categories are Bonny Bó, Fore Distillery Limited, Killucan Honey Beekeeping, Our Creamery and The Irish Craft Soda Company.

“LEO Westmeath are delighted to once again work with Blas na hÉireann to award the best of Westmeath food producers.” said Tracey Tallon, head of Enterprise ast LEO Westmeath. “ Over the last number of years, there are a number of new and exciting entries from our food businesses producing innovative products, this year the diverse range of products highlights the wealth of impressive offerings across our County.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.

Key dates for 2025

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 Westmeath 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

Eimear Nally, Francis Nally, from Bonny Bo Athlone, County Westmeath with Westmeath LEO Tracey Tallon pictured receiving their award in 2024
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 Eimear Nally Francis Nally Company Bonny Bo Town Athlone County Westmeath 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 Terry O’Dwyer, Cross Rental Services, 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: Andrew Heavey Company: Mr Crumb Town: Finea County: Westmeath 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 James Simpson, 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
Eimear Nally, Francis Nally, from Bonny Bo Athlone, County Westmeath with Westmeath LEO Tracey Tallon pictured receiving their award at the annual Blas Na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle, County Kerry at the weekend. 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 Westmeath award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Westmeath LEO
You can find more details on Westmeath LEO here
localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie

044 9338945

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