Blas na hÉireann 2025 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Roscommon 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. Roscommon 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. Roscommon across a wide range of categories are Do Me A Flavour, Healthy Bake Ltd., Noble Ice Cream, Oliver Carty & Family and Waldron Family Meats.

“We are delighted to see that five  very high quality producers are through to the final stages.” said Louise Ward Head of Enterprise at Roscommon County Council. “ I really understand and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that these companies do on a day to day basis, constantly improving their offerings to a seriously high standard.  Roscommon is lucky to have them.  I wish them every success at Blas and throughout their journeys.  They are the core of job creation and putting Ireland on the food map.”

“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 Roscommon 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

Best in Roscommon award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Roscommon LEO
You can find more details on Roscommon LEO here
localenterprise@roscommoncoco.ie

0906626263/37100

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…

Blas na hÉireann 2025 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Limerick 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. Limerick  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. Limerick across a wide range of categories are Applewood Farm Produce Ltd T/A Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Cook & Cleaver, Coqbull, Cornstore Limerick & Cork, Cotter Organic Lamb, Emerald Ice Cream Ltd., Glen Aine Foods, Kearney’s Home Baking Ltd. and Twomey’s Bakery Ltd.

“I am delighted to see that Limerick has 9 worthy finalist producers in the Blas na hÉireann awards this year, showcasing the fantastic array of locally produced food & drink available in Limerick.” said Mike Cantwell of Limerick LEO. “LEO Limerick is committed to growing the food sector in Limerick city and county in a sustainable manner and adding to the comprehensive range of food and drinks already produced as highlighted in our new Food and Drink Producer Directory published earlier this year.  The Blas na hÉireann awards are a celebration of best in class for these food businesses and we are delighted to be involved by sponsoring the overall Best in Limerick award.”

“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.

ENDS

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.

For media enquiries or imagery contact:

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 Limerick 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 Limerick award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Limerick LEO
You can find details of Limerick LEO here
localenterprise@limerick.ie

061 557499

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

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The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 16 exceptional producers from Co. Galway 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. Galway across a wide range of categories are All About Kombucha, Birdhouse, Builin Blasta Cafe, Bakery & Retail, Crust Gluten Free, Divillys Ltd. T/A Divilly Brothers, DK Connemara Oysters, Dough Bro’s, Galmere Fresh Foods, Gather/Abbert Bailiu Teoranta, Grá Chocolates, Ivy House Chocolates, Joyce Country Bakery/ Bácús Dhúiche Sheoigheach, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens Ltd., Loughnane’s Of Galway, The Foods of Athenry and The Lán Kitchen.

“The producers from County Galway who’ve made it to the finalist stage of Blas na hÉireann 2025 truly represent the best of what our county has to offer.” said Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway. “Their innovation, creativity, and commitment to quality are second to none, and it’s a joy to see their hard work recognised on a national stage. As sponsors of the ‘Best in County Galway’ award, we’re proud to stand behind these exceptional producers and celebrate their achievements. Having worked closely with many of them, I know the passion that goes into every product— We look forward to celebrating their achievements in Dingle this October and supporting their continued success on the national and international stage.”

“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 Galway 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 Galway award is supported by Galway LEO
You can find details of Galway Local Enterprise Office here
091 509090
info@leo.galwaycoco.ie

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. You can check delivery dates & locations 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 as well as on the outer box
   Please complete your delivery form, a copy of which you can download here
   
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

A few key dates we have spotted which might be of interest….

Going to IFEX? Artie will be joining the spotlight stage discussing Food Awards, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly alongside John Farrand, GTA, Daniela Morelli & Laura Bradley More details here

Local Enterprise Office Week is running from 4th March, there are lots of great training sessions and events happening right around Ireland, please check with your local office here

Lidl Kickstart applications close this Thursday 29th February – more info here

Musgrave Food Academy is open for applications from March 11th – April 15th – more info here

Taste4Success – Upcoming Training Programmes

Irish Food Trade Connect Forum, in Killashee House 21st March – more details