Louth food and drink producers invited to enter Ireland’s premier food awards

Calling all food and drink producers in Louth — entries are now open for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards. 

Now in their 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are now open for producers across all categories and the deadline for entries is the 15th May. 

“It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025.” 

Sarah Mallon, Head of Enterprise, LEO Louth said: "Louth Local Enterprise Office are delighted to once again sponsor Best in County Louth at the Blas na hÉireann awards."

"Renowned for quality, the awards are a fantastic way to highlight the producers and products of county Louth. Applications are now open for 2025 and I would encourage all eligible Louth producers to apply."

The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.  

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Last year over 3,000 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. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product. 

For full rates and further details, please visit www.irishfoodawards.com