Artisan food 

Blas na hÉireann 2024 

Blas na hÉireann 2024 had another impressive year across all categories, with many new producers joining the awards for the first time 

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Read More: Aldi All About Kombucha Baska Bakery Blas na hÉireann Broighter Gold Centra Do Me A Flavour Five Farms Irish Butchers’ Guild Killadoon Milk Miena Rívesci Roll It SuperValu Tesco Ireland The Busker Irish Whiskey The Village Dairy Valentia Island Vermouth Viking Irish Drinks

The 2024 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards have revealed this year’s winners, following a three-day celebration of Ireland’s finest food and drink, held from Thursday, October 3 to Saturday, October 5 in Dingle. 

Rívesci was crowned as Supreme Champion for their Smoked Chilli Oil and Valentia Island Vermouth was announced as Best Artisan Producer. 

Speaking at the event, Artie Clifford, chairperson, Blas na hÉireann, said: “We are once again delighted to celebrate such deserving winners at Blas na hÉireann 2024. 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.” 

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.  

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.  

As the competition intensifies each year, earning the prestigious Blas badge is a significant accomplishment, signifying that the shortlisted finalists and eventual winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in Irish food and drink. 

Enjoy Five Farms with friends this Christmas 

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur has won gold for its Cream Liqueur in the 2024 Blás na hEireann Irish Food Awards 

Five Farms Single Batch Irish Cream Liqueur

Create wholesome memories and rituals this Christmas with Five Farms Irish Cream liqueur.  

Made with fresh Irish cream from five family-owned farms along the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Five Farms is the first “Farm to Table” Irish Cream Liqueur and prides itself on using fresh and local ingredients to create an indulgent and delicious drink, perfect to enjoy over ice.  

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or cozying up by the fire with friends over the festive season, Five Farms, which contains 10% premium Irish whiskey, is the ultimate after dinner treat or gift this season, especially for whiskey lovers or supporters of Irish produce.  

Crafted with passion and precision, Five Farms, the superior Irish Cream Liqueur, features an array of comforting flavours such as butterscotch, caramel fondue and vanilla bean jumping from the glass.  

This lush palate coats the mouth with flavours of coffee with fresh cream, dulce de leche, coconut, maple, and Belgian waffles. Use Five Farms to create delicious winter cocktails, ideal for elevating your holiday festivities.  

Aldi named Ireland’s Most Awarded Discount Retailer 

Aldi was recognised as Ireland’s Most Awarded Discount Retailer at the 2024 Blas na hÉireann Awards.  

Aldi and its team of Irish suppliers and producers enjoyed outstanding success at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, walking away with 40 awards across multiple categories, including 15 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 13 bronze medals, showcasing Aldi’s commitment to supporting Irish suppliers and offering customers the best quality food.  

Among the standout winners was the Specially Selected Irish Wagyu Rib Eye Joint with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper Infused Beef Marrow, which was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Beef- Roast category. This product is produced exclusively for Aldi by ABP Cahir.  

This year, Aldi’s Gold medal-winning products were produced by Oakpark Foods, ABP Cahir, Silverhill Duck, IGWT, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Crust & Crumb Ltd, O’Haras Bakery, Folláin, and CPAC Foods to name a few-  highly valued Irish suppliers whom Aldi is proud to collaborate with all year round.  

“At Aldi, we are proud to partner with producers up and down the country to deliver the very best quality Irish produce to our customers,” said Colin Breslin, managing director, Buying & Services, Aldi Ireland. 

Aldi’s continued success at these awards is a testament to its hard work and innovation and Breslin is thrilled to see Aldi rewarded for its efforts.  

“On behalf of everyone at Aldi, I wish to congratulate our suppliers and buying teams on this fantastic achievement,” noted Breslin.  

 The Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. With more than 150 categories, it recognises and rewards the best of Irish food and drink.  

The judging process, developed in conjunction with UCC, is regarded as an industry ‘gold’ standard worldwide with each product subjected to a blind taste test that sees packaging and identifying features removed to ensure a level playing field for products from both large and small producers.  

The judging panel is composed of food experts from a variety of backgrounds, including chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, food champions, caterers and enthusiastic home cooks.  

 See below for a full list of Aldi’s winning products from the 2024 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards:  

For more information on the award-winning products available in 162 Aldi stores nationwide, please visit www.Aldi.ie.  

All About Kombucha wins gold 

Winning gold at Blas means a hell of a lot more than just a trophy. It’s the equivalent of Mayo winning Sam (as if) or the Irish rugby team getting past the quarterfinals in the world cup for a food business.   

All About Kombucha took home two golds for its Kombucha, as well as being the best business in the Ghaeltacht. There’s something magical at those awards. They attract the best of the best and you get to meet them.  

Artie and Fallon have helped create a platform that promotes the best of Irish produce in Ireland. All About Kombucha have spent the last 10 years of its life dedicated to creating a raw Kombucha that’s not pasteurised or filtered down.  

Unlike most Irish commercial Kombuchas, All About Kombucha stands behind a living Kombucha meaning that it has all those good gut bacterias help promote good gut health.  

It helps spread the word of real fermented foods and promotes All About Kombucha’s cause to deliver a Kombucha that’s good to the gut, good on the palate and good to the planet.  

So if you’re keen to taste a bitta irish gold, get yourself some Kombuchas to your front door in less than 24 hours with this discount code LEGEND10  and visit All About Kombucha at allaboutkombucha.ie  

Six generations of Broighter Gold 

Broighter Gold’s full range of products

Broighter Gold rapeseed oil is a single estate cold pressed rapeseed oil that is grown, bottled and blended at Broglasco Farm on the edge of the Lough Foyle overlooking Binevenagh Mountain.   

Its unique land is rich and fertile which makes it perfect for growing crops and specialising in one single variety seed to ensure consistency is key for its customers.   

 Broighter Gold prides itself in working closely with the environment on all aspects of its farm, and sustainability being the heart of the family. Broighter Gold, now in its 6th generation of farming, has been going for more than 130 years at Broglasco.   

 Broighter Gold has a range of award winning products, that would suit any shop, restaurant or store and it supplies its own brand products, and its own as far as Dubai.  

Local butchers shine through with multiple Gold awards  

All roads led to Dingle for Blas na hÉireann, where Irish Butchers’ Guild finalists were amongst the Gold Awards winners at this year’s event.  

McCarthy’s of Kanturk, renowned traditional butchers with a heritage dating back to 1892, earned a Gold Award for its signature Traditional Spiced Beef, along with an additional Bronze Award for its Smoked Back Rashers. McCarthy’s were also honoured with the prestigious Irish Butchers’ Guild Award at this year’s event. 

Fermoy based Fitzgerald’s Butchers were honoured with a Bord Bia Chef’s Larder Award for its exceptional home cured Guanciale.   

Furlong’s Foodhall from Gorey, were awarded a Gold Award for its Cucumber Pickle and a Bronze Award for its Potato Salad, and Murphy’s Craft Butchers from Tullow, received a Gold Award for its Black Charcoal Ribeye Steak and a Silver Award for its Traditional Pork Sausages.  These accolades underscore the expertise, craftsmanship, and exceptional quality found in butcher shops across the country, as well as its unwavering dedication to delivering excellence to its customers.  

John Molloy, IBG presenting award to Jack McCarthy

Jack McCarthy expressed his gratitude and pride, saying, “It’s a real testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into every product we create. These awards are a reflection of our team’s commitment and the loyalty of our customers who appreciate the craftsmanship we bring to our products.”   

Furlongs Butchers, established in 1621 and now led by 13th-generation butcher Paul Furlong, has been a cornerstone of Wexford’s butchery tradition for nearly 400 years. Known for its exceptional quality, innovative ready-to-cook meal solutions, and legendary sausage-making, they continue to uphold the family’s commitment to excellence and quality.  

Master Butcher Barry Fitzgerald expressed his delight upon winning the Chef’s Larder Award for his Guanciale: “This recognition reflects the hard work and passion that our team puts into every product we create. It’s moments like this that inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.”  

Barry Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald family has been serving the Fermoy community since 1964, with Barry currently managing the butcher shop. Under his leadership, the shop has adopted a modern style while continuing to deliver the expert service and charm that customers value.  

The Murphy family’s dedication to excellence is evident through numerous awards, Jim and Bernadeta Murphy have previously been honoured with title of Best Butcher Shop of the Year in 2018, and Jim’s membership in the World’s Butchers Challenge Team Ireland, which secured the title in 2018. More recently they represented Ireland at the World Butchers’ Challenge 2022 in Sacramento, California, where they proudly secured the title for having the Best Sausage in the World.  

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. The annual events build into the biggest celebration in Irish food and its producers, with awards presented in the Blas Village in Dingle. Located in the heart of Dingle, this pop-up village becomes a central point for producers across the country to come together and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink.    

SuperValu producers take home 102 wins 

Killadoon Milk (Photo: Manuela Dei Grandi)

Producers of SuperValu, Ireland’s largest grocery retailer, celebrated another successful year at the Blás na hÉireann awards, taking home 102 awards in recognition of their outstanding products.  

This brings the total number of awards won by SuperValu producers over the last three years up to an incredible 315 awards across SuperValu Own Brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes, Food Academy, The Happy Pear and Moo’d Ice-Cream.  

SuperValu Irish producers at Blas na hÉireann Awards 2024

SuperValu’s Irish producer wins include 29 Gold, 21 Silver, and 32 Bronze awards, along with several speciality categories. These wins celebrate the exceptional quality and innovation of SuperValu’s Irish producers, showcasing the depth and variety of products proudly sourced throughout the country.  

SuperValu’s Signature Tastes and Own Brand range took home a total of 38 awards. Included in the Gold award line up was SuperValu Signature Tastes Sweet Tomato & Chilli Chutney produced by Irish producer Folláin. Folláin, who took home a total of one Gold and two Bronze awards, specialise in Fresh Fruit Preserves, Marmalades, Jams, Relishes, Salsas, and Chutneys. Situated in the heart of rural West Cork, their delicious products are crafted from 100% natural ingredients.  

 Food Academy producers, a cornerstone of SuperValu’s support for start-up and early-stage food and drink Irish businesses also celebrated a fantastic year, collecting an impressive 64 awards, including ‘Supreme Champion‘ for Shannon Forrest and Declan Malone from Rívesci in Co. Tipperary, ‘Best Artisan Producer‘ for Valentia Island Vermouth from Co. Kerry and ‘Best Start Up‘ for Killadoon Milk from Co. Kildare. Food Academy producers also collected three Chef’s Larders for Coole Farm’s Mixed Leaves, Clonmore Farm’s Spinach Leaves and Roll It Pastry’s Puff Pastry.  

Baska Bakery

Baska Bakery from Co. Meath, a fifth-generation bakery and a Food Academy producer, won Gold for their Organic White Country Sourdough. They specialise in naturally leavened sourdough bread made with just flour, water, and salt. Using only organic flour, their bread undergoes a three-day fermentation process, enhancing its digestibility and giving it a unique, delicious flavour.  

“2024 has been another incredible year for SuperValu’s Irish Producers at the Blas na hÉireann awards, with our local Irish producers once again being recognised for their exceptional quality, range and innovation,” said Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu. 

Hanlon mentioned that supporting Irish food producers is at the heart of what Supervalu does and it’s fantastic to see producers gain the recognition they deserve.  

 “We remain committed to championing the best of quality Irish food,” concluded Hanlon. 

Valentia Island Vermouth

SuperValu has long championed locally, Irish-sourced food and drink, working with more than 1,800 suppliers, and this year’s wins further emphasise the variety and excellence across all categories: from meats and dairy to innovative new products.  

The Blas na hÉireann awards remain Ireland’s most prestigious food and drink competition, showcasing the best products from across the island of Ireland. With thousands of entries across 100 food and drink categories, SuperValu’s continued success at the awards highlights the retailer’s commitment to the very best quality Irish food and drink. 

Wexford celebrates 2024 Blas na hÉireann Award winners 

Wexford Food Producer Killowen Farm won three Gold Awards and ‘Best in County’ at the 2024 Blas na hEireann Awards (Photo by Allen Kiely)

Wexford is celebrating the results of the recent Blas na hÉireann Awards with a phenomenal 32 awards going to 17 Wexford food producers from the Model County.  

Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish Food Awards took place from Thursday 3 October to Saturday 5 October, celebrating the very best of Irish food and drink.  

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties.  

The winners from Co.Wexford are Irish Country Meats, Regan Organic Produce, Killowen Farm, Zanna Cookhouse Ltd, Pettitt’s Supervalu, Furlongs Food Hall, Ryans Bakery Wexford Ltd, Kellys Bakery, Bramble Cottage Kitchen, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, Wexford Home Preserves, Killiane Castle Honey, Wexford Sea Salt, Well Preserved Limited, Isle of Crackers ltd, Elderberry Farm and Naturally Cordial Ltd with Killowen Farm awarded ‘Best in County’.  

“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 wider audience,” said Artie Clifford, chairperson, Blas na hÉireann. 

After seventeen years of these awards, Clifford noted that it is inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in the food and drink industry here on the island of Ireland. 

“It has been a truly incredible result for Wexford this year at the 2024 Blas na hEireann Awards with 17 Wexford food producers winning 32 awards,” said Stacey Williams, interim managing director, The Wexford Food Producers Network. 

Williams noted that this is a remarkable result and a true testament to the dedication and commitment of Wexford’s food production sector who work tirelessly to produce quality foods each year.   

“On behalf of The Wexford Food Producers Network we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all of the Wexford winners this year and we wish them all continued success. This level of success could not be achieved without the continued support of Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Enterprise Office.”  

Wexford Food Producer member Clodagh Davis, Naturally Cordial winning Silver with its Naturally Cordial Pink Grapefruit & Gold with its Naturally Cordial Orange & Lemon Cordial (Photo by Allen Kiely)

Blas na hÉireann 2024 saw the return of the Blas Village where this year’s finalists got the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers.  

The festival focused market ‘Eat Ireland in a Day’ was back for a third year and included a brand new Meet the Maker stage.  

The Backyard at Blas, in partnership with Bank of Ireland delivered an impressive line up of key industry speakers once again, both in person to the attendees and live streamed.  

“The growth of Blas na hÉireann each year is testament to the strength of the indigenous food and drink industry, with the ever-expanding number of producers continuing to innovate, and impress the judges with the range of their ambition,” said Lucy Ryan, head of food and beverage sector, Bank of Ireland.  

Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year.    

During the judging, which took place throughout June and July, more than 3,000 entries were judged. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in more than 170 food and drink categories as well as key awards.  

As the competition intensifies each year, earning the prestigious Blas accreditation is a significant accomplishment, signifying that the shortlisted finalists and eventual winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in Irish food and drink.  

The Busker Single Pot Still collects two awards 

The Busker Irish Whiskey Single Pot Still

The Busker Single Pot Still has won Gold at the Blas na hEireann Awards 2024. The Busker, produced at Royal Oak Distillery has also taken home Gold for Best Producer in County Carlow. Brand activator Richie Delahoyde, and global brand ambassador Woody Kane were in attendance at the awards show in Dingle, to collect the two awards for the Busker.   

The Busker team collecting the Gold award for Best Producer in Co. Carlow

The Busker Pot Still is a distinctive expression to Ireland, created to bring you on a journey of exceptional character. Distilled in single pot stills and aged in both bourbon and sherry casks. On the nose, you experience rich complex notes of honey, oak, fudge, clove oil, and sometimes perfumed fresh flowers too. Taste buds kick off with some beautiful deep and intense rich spiciness with peppery notes and hints of vanilla and toffee fudge. Concluding with a long warm spicy finish.  

Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but for a Christmas cocktail, try it in your Whiskey Sour for a unique spicy warm feel.   

The Royal Oak Distillery is a world class distillery producing hand crafted Irish whiskey, proudly located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region in Co. Carlow. The Royal Oak Distillery is the house of The Busker Irish Whiskey where it distils all three styles of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt and grain – under one roof.   

Carefully crafting an independent path to an authentic and high-quality Irish whiskey, The Busker balances tradition with innovative and modern techniques. The Royal Oak Distillery uses different casks during the maturation process of its Busker whiskeys including bourbon casks, sherry casks, and marsala casks.   

A major point of differentiation for The Busker Irish Whiskey takes place during the ageing process where the blend, Triple Cask Triple Smooth, and Single Grain expressions mature in rare and selected Cantine Florio (1833) Sicilian Marsala wine casks.  

The Busker Irish Whiskey, proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.  

Valentia Island Vermouth named Best Artisan Producer in Ireland 

Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll (Photo by Joleen Cronin)

Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll were thrilled to be announced as Best Artisan Producer in Ireland, Best in Kerry and Gold for their Valentia Island Vermouth in the recent Blas na hEireann Awards.  

Bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts are delighted they can now use this award winning vermouth to make all Irish Martinis, all Irish Manhattans and all Irish Negroni’s.  

And for any Spritz aficionados - Valentia Island Vermouth is delicious served with Prosecco and a slice of orange as a Valentia Spritz or with tonic as a V&T.     

Here they are toasting their win with a Negroni Sour in their cottage on Valentia Island.   

Viking Irish Drinks celebrates a year of success with four wins 

David Dennison of Viking Irish Drinks

In a year marked by innovation and craftsmanship, Viking Irish Drinks is celebrating a series of prestigious wins at the Blas na hÉireann Awards. The company, known for its dedication to tradition and commitment to quality, earned four coveted awards at the renowned Irish food and drink event, including the title of Best in Waterford.  

These achievements highlight the unique and artisanal quality Viking Irish Drinks has brought to Ireland’s beverage industry, firmly positioning it as a leader in craft cider, wine, and liqueurs.  

In addition to winning the Best in Waterford award, Viking Irish Drinks earned Gold for its Blackcurrant Liqueur, Silver for Caora Fíniúna Waterford Red Wine, and Bronze for Nádúrtha Pét-Nat No. 3.  

David Dennison, the founder of Viking Irish Drinks, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “Receiving these awards is a tribute to our hard work and commitment to creating quality, authentic Irish beverages. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision resonate with both the judges and our customers.”   

Viking Irish Drinks stays true to its roots in Co. Waterford, Ireland, and is poised for continued growth, driven by a commitment to crafting premium Irish beverages with passion and respect for tradition.  

For more information, visit www.vikingirishdrinks.com   

Centra’s Irish food producers claim 19 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann  

Dermot and Liz Skehan, Fresh Cut win Gold for their Inspired By Centra Overnight Oats as well as their Berry Coulis

Centra’s Irish food producers have claimed 19 awards at this year’s Blás na hÉireann, the Irish food awards. 

The grocery retailer’s producers took home four Gold awards, eight Silver awards and seven Bronze awards. 

Celebrating and recognising the finest Irish food and drink products, Blas na hÉireann awards are the largest blind tasting event of quality Irish products on the island, with producers nationwide competing for the prestigious accolades. 

The big wins include 10 products from the Inspired by  Centra range, including three Gold Awards – Inspired By Centra Berry Coulis with Yogurt and Granola and Inspired By Centra Overnight Oats, Vanilla Yoghurt with Blueberries & Strawberries both by FreshCut Food Services as well as the Inspired By Centra Cold Pressed Turmeric Shot by Sunshine Juice. 

The Inspired by Centra range is ‘expertly created to bring customers a range with value in mind without compromising on taste or quality’. 

Other award winners within the Inspired by Centra range include new salad ranges – Inspired by Centra Chicken & Miso Salad (bronze) and Inspired by Centra Torn Ham, Free range egg and Coleslaw salad (silver), made by the producer Deli Lites. 

Key award winners 

Key award winners from the Centra range include customer favourites such as Centra Belgian Chocolate Brownie slices  by Couverture Desserts, Centra Crème Fraiche by Clona Dairy and Centra Irish rapeseed Oil by Newgrange Gold. 

Speaking of the awards, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of Centra, stated, “As the leading Irish convenience retailer, we take pride in offering high-quality Irish produce to our customers. 

“The fact that our trusted suppliers have won 19 accolades at this year’s awards is a testament to this commitment. 

“The Blas accreditation highlights the quality of Centra’s products from trusted Irish suppliers, available across our network of Centra stores nationwide.” 

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann, sees competition from a range of top-quality Irish producers across 32 counties. 

Do Me A Flavour® wins the Chefs Larder Award 

Do Me A Flavour® was ‘delighted’ to collect the Chefs Larder Award for its Argentinian Seasoning along with a Silver Award for its Firecracker Seasoning.   

Do Me A Flavour® produces a wide and varied range of added value ingredients for retailers in Ireland, Europe and the Middle East and produces bespoke products for its B2B customers from flavoured butters, sauces, crumbs and stuffings to marinades, glazes and melts; our philosophy is simple to make the ordinary great!  

Do Me A Flavour Argentinian Style Seasoning  

Do Me A Flavour Argentinian Style Seasoning

Winning the Chefs Larder Award proves how versatile its Argentinean seasoning is. A wonderful blend of aromatic herbs and spices blended with Atlantic Sea salt, onion and garlic this is a perfect all-purpose seasoning. Extra perfect on a steak or added to cream for a delicious prawn linguine dish.   

Do Me A Flavour Firecracker Chilli Seasoning  

Do Me A Flavour Firecracker Chilli Seasoning

Its sizzling firecracker chilli seasoning will ignite your customers taste buds with an explosion of flavours, this chilli infused Atlantic Sea salt is perfect for adding a kick to any dish simply shake a teaspoon of this specially blended seasoning onto any dish before roasting, grilling or barbecuing. 

For Further Information please contact: Do Me A Flavour®, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Visit:  www.domeaflavour.ie

Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat honoured at this year’s awards 

Miena at this year’s awards

The wonderful Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat was honoured at the recent Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards for its Almond, Rhubarb & Strawberry Nougat which it supplies to Dunnes Stores as part of the Simply Better at Dunnes Stores label.  

This was another great achievement for Miena and her small team in Wicklow – particularly after being named Best in Leinster and Best Overall Artisan Producer at the 2023 awards.  

Up and running for more than 10 years, the multi-award winning Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat is now located in a small production facility right beside her original home kitchen.  

Miena’s Almond, Rhubarb & Strawberry Nougat

Commenting, Miena, said: “We still handmake all our nougat too, using the best and freshest ingredients we can find. We create different flavours with almonds, pistachios, strawberries, rhubarb, passionfruit and whatever new ingredient we think will work. Including chocolate. We really love working with the Simply Better team at Dunnes Stores. They are so supportive of small food producers like us.  

“We also love the fact that our humble Irish nougat is now exported around the world and is on sale in the UK, the US, Britain, Denmark, Belgium and Taiwan with new markets opening up all the time. We are so proud to fly the ‘great food’ flag for Ireland and to be ambassadors for all that is wonderful about Irish food.”  

To find out more about this lovely Irish success story, visit: mienas.ie  

Roll It Pastry wins Chefs Larder Award for third year 

Mairead Finnegan of Roll It Pastry

Roll It Pastry was created by a real person for a real need. Mairead Finnegans love of baking meant that she wasn’t willing to compromise on the goodness of homemade pastry, but she didn’t always have time to make it. In creating Roll It Pastry, at first from her home kitchen Finnegan’s conditions were clear, all Irish butter and nothing artificial.   

Roll It Pastry has now grown into a thriving business based in Crossakiel, Kells, Co. Meath. Roll It produces all butter puff pastry, all butter plain shortcrust pastry, all butter sweet shortcrust pastry and all butter gluten free shortcrust pastry. All are available in the freezer aisle.  

A selection of Roll It Pastry products

Roll It is the perfect easy fix for home cooks all around the country, made with Irish butter and only ingredients that you’d find at home. Then it is frozen with freshness locked in.  

Roll It noted that it is ‘delighted’ to have win the Chefs Larder Award from Blas na hÉireann for the last three years running and to win gold for its all-butter gluten free shortcrust pastry.   

The Village Dairy Jersey Milk and Buttermilk win awards 

The Village Dairy – ‘Where Milk Matters’  

The whole team at The Village Dairy was ‘delighted’ to pick up two awards at this year’s Blas Na hÉireann awards for Jersey Milk and Buttermilk. From the beginning, Noel Barcoe, owner and founder, has had the aim of ‘producing something a little different to what is already on the market’. The Village Dairy produces a range of Conventional, Organic, and Jersey milk products including Buttermilk and Cream. It collects milk directly from farms and The Village Dairy ‘truly believes that the high-quality end product cannot be achieved without the support of the local farmers and their own passion for producing high quality raw milk’.  

The recognition it receives from the Blas Na hÉireann awards always helps it to ‘continually strive for higher quality and gives the whole team a boost after the announcements.’  

The Village Dairy has built its little dairy up from word of mouth over the last 10 years, and it hopes to ‘continue working hard to maintain the high quality of standards’ while working with suppliers, customers, and the whole team at The Village Dairy. Afterall, it is a journey of nearly ten years brought together by all past and present suppliers, customers, and employees.   

Tesco Ireland wins 63 awards 

A selection of Tesco Finest award-winning products

In another hugely successful year for the retailer and its Irish producers, Tesco Ireland took home 63 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. This prestigious competition celebrates the very best of Irish produce, exceptional taste and quality, and the passionate producers behind the products.   

Tesco Ireland products came out on top, receiving awards across several medal classes including beef, lamb, bacon, sausages, poultry, cured meats, seafood products, ready meals, morning baked goods, soups, dairy, cheese, breakfast cereal and preserves categories.   

Tesco was awarded 21 gold medals including Tesco Lamb Rack with a Mushroom & Herb Crumb, Tesco Finest Belgian Chocolate Vanilla and Salted Caramel Bar 90G, Tesco Finest Cream of Vegetable and Irish Chicken Soup 400G, Tesco Finest Poultry Gravy 300g, Tesco Finest Gherkin and Mustard Relish 190G and Tesco Finest Honey & Irish Whiskey Ham Glaze 230g. Tesco also took home 25 silver and 17 bronze medals.   

Joe Manning, commercial director, Tesco Ireland, commented: “ I’m proud that our products have been honoured with 63 awards – 21 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze medals. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of both our new and long-standing suppliers, and their unwavering passion and commitment to delivering the best for our customers.”   

Rívesci crowned Supreme Champion for its Smoked Chilli Oil 

Rívesci was recent crowned Supreme Champion for its Smoked Chilli Oil at this year’s Blas na hÉireann. 

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.”  

Read more: Tasty wins for Blas champions!

Read More: Aldi All About Kombucha Baska Bakery Blas na hÉireann Broighter Gold Centra Do Me A Flavour Five Farms Irish Butchers’ Guild Killadoon Milk Miena Rívesci Roll It SuperValu Tesco Ireland The Busker Irish Whiskey The Village Dairy Valentia Island Vermouth Viking Irish Drinks

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