'A powerful opportunity': Carlow food producers urged to enter nationwide competition - Ireland News Beep

Producers across Carlow are being encouraged to enter Blas na hÉireann- the Irish Food Awards. This event is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.

Now entering its 19th year, the awards culminate in an exciting celebration in Dingle, Co Kerry, where the Blas Village transforms the town into a national meeting point for the country’s food community.

Producers travel from every corner of the island to showcase their products, meet customers, connect with key industry buyers and celebrate the very best of Irish produce.

For finalists and winners, it is an unparalleled opportunity to place their products on a national stage. The scale of the awards continues to grow year on year. In 2025, more than 3,000 products were entered, including a significant number of first-time producers, with entries coming from every county in Ireland.

The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.

The judging process, carried out in partnership with UCC, represents a large blind tasting, taking place throughout June and July and ensuring a rigorous, independent assessment of every entry.

Speaking about the importance of food in County Carlow, Cllr Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said, “The food and drink sector is a cornerstone of our local economy here in Carlow, and Blas na hÉireann provides an unmatched stage for our producers to showcase their passion and quality.

“By sponsoring the ‘Best in County’ award through the Local Enterprise Office, we are sending a clear message that we believe in our local makers. I want to see Carlow’s finest products represented in Dingle this October, and I strongly urge all our local food and drink entrepreneurs to enter before the May 14 deadline. This is your chance to gain national recognition and prove that Carlow produce is truly world-class,” Cllr Murnane added.

“Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of,” commented Artie Clifford, Chairperson and founder of Blas na hÉireann. “The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short-listed as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.”

For producers in Carlow, participation offers more than the chance to win an award; it is an opportunity to join a national network of like-minded food makers, gain industry recognition and build new connections that can support long-term growth. Many past finalists credit the awards with opening doors to new markets, retail partnerships and export opportunities.

“Entering the Blas na hÉireann awards offers producers a powerful opportunity to benchmark their product, gain national recognition, and build credibility that can open doors to new markets and customers” said Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council.

Entries are now open at www.irishfoodawards.com and the final deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 14.

Finalists will be notified in mid-August and the Blas na hÉireann awards are set to take place on October 2 as part of the Blas Village celebrations in Dingle. Running from October 1 to 4, networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony itself and the ever-popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival will feature throughout.

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‘A powerful opportunity’: Carlow food producers urged to enter nationwide competition

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