Rívesci crowned Supreme Champion at Blas na hÉireann 2024
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year from across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year
Print7 October 2024
Supreme Champion Rívesci was recent crowned Supreme Champion for its Smoked Chilli Oil at this years Blas na hÉireann, the Irish food awards, which took place from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 5 October in Dingle, Co Kerry.
A previous finalist and gold medal winner at the Blas na hÉireann awards, Rívesci started as a food truck offering cooked from scratch dishes from their vintage 1976 caravan before lockdown forced the company to pivot their business into full-time condiment makers.
Based in Co. Tipperary and founded by Shannon Forrest and Michelin-trained chef Declan Malone, the duo pride themselves on their ‘commitment to sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients to create products’.
Rívesci specialises in small-batch, hand-crafted condiments.
Speaking after the announcement, Malone of Rívesci, said: “This recognition means the world to us and is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication we pour into all our products.”
Forrest of Rívesci, added: “To be acknowledged among so many talented producers across Ireland is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud to represent the very best of Irish food and drink.”
Best Artisan Producer
Valentia Island Vermouth was announced as Best Artisan Producer at this year’s awards.
Valentia Island Vermouth is a craft vermouth company founded by Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll on Valentia Island, off the coast of Co. Kerry.
Inspired by ‘the island’s unique flora, fauna and natural beauty’, the wife and wife team set out to create Ireland’s first vermouth.
Snook O’Carroll, whose father was a beekeeper from Co. Kerry, visited Valentia as a child, and it was there she learnt about the local plants and making of vermouth through her father’s knowledge.
Valentia Island Vermouth uses foraged herbs, flowers and fruits from the island’s rich landscape to craft a distinctive, artisanal product that reflects the essence of its surroundings.
Speaking about her award, Snook O’Carroll, said: “We take immense pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create Valentia Island Vermouth so to be recognised alongside so many outstanding producers is a huge achievement for us.”
About Blas na hÉireann
During the judging, which took place over June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged.
Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.
Speaking as the winners were announced, Artie Clifford, chairperson, Blas na hÉireann, said: “After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry.
“Every year the standard is raised even higher and it’s an honour for myself and the entire Blas team to showcase these exceptional products and the dedicated producers behind them to a national audience.”
Read more: SuperValu’s Irish producers win 102 awards at Blas na hÉireann
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