Irish food has been celebrated once again at the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards, with beef, cheese, oysters and non-alcoholic beer featured among the winners.
Presented today, Tuesday 3 March, at a ceremony held at Ananda at Dundrum Town Centre, the ceremony invited producers, chefs, food writers and industry leaders to celebrate the very best of Irish food.
First launched by the guild in 1993, the awards aim to celebrate indigenous Irish food products of the highest quality, as well as to recognise some of the individuals, companies and initiatives which continue to make the Irish food story such an exciting one.
Describing this year’s winners, Chairperson Paula McIntyre said, “The IFWG Food Awards are a celebration of this country’s thriving, world-class artisan food and drink industry… The award winners this year exemplify our ethos”.
She added: “Emigration and immigration is how we evolve and long may we welcome, adapt and cherish food from other nations – it only makes us stronger.”
Fiona & Tom Burgess of Coolattin Cheddar. Photo: Paul Sherwood
2026 Award Winners
Community Food Award
Duhallow Community Food Services, honoured for its vital work in strengthening local food networks and supporting community wellbeing.
Environmental Award
Lúnasa Farm, recognised for its dedication to regenerative agriculture and responsible environmental practises.
Irish Drink Award – Non-Alcoholic Beer
Fierce Mild, celebrated for producing an innovative and flavour-driven, non-alchoholic beer of exceptional quality.
Contribution to Irish Food Award
Gary Harty of Galway Gourmet Oysters, acknowledged for his significant impact in championing Irish oysters and promoting Irish seafood at home and abroad.
Linda O’Connor and Maura Walsh of Duhallow. Photo: Paul Sherwood.
Irish Food Awards
Moyletra Moileds – Irish Moiled Beef, awarded for excellence in producing premium heritage Irish Moiled beef.
The Curly Pigs – Ór Bán Whipped Lard, recognised for craftsmanship and for reimagining a traditional Irish ingredient with care and quality.
Coolattin Cheddar by Tom Burgess, honoured for outstanding cheesemaking and contribution to Ireland’s artisan dairy sector.
Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne of Fierce Mild. Photo: Paul Sherwood
Lifetime Achievement Award
Hilda Crampton and Dominic Quinn, Castleruddery Organic Farm, presented in recognition of their lifelong dedication to organic farming and their enduring influence on sustainable food production in Ireland.