Nine exceptional Louth producers make Blas na hÉireann finals

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with nine exceptional producers from Louth making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards. 

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.

The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Louth across a wide range of categories are Carlingford Oyster Company Ltd., Dundalk Bay Brewery, Fierce Mild Brewing Ltd., Herbel Crest Ltd (T/A King of Kefir), Hilton Foods, McCloskeys Bakery, Muchgrange Farm, Natures Best and Pearse Lyons Distillery.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.

“Louth Local Enterprise Office is delighted, once again, to sponsor the Blas na hÉireann awards — a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication of our local food and craft drink producers who make Louth’s food and drink sector so vibrant.” Said Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise at LEO Louth.

“With nine finalists representing County Louth this year, we continue to punch above our weight on the national stage. Their innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence are a credit to what local enterprise can achieve. We’re proud to support them and wish them every success in Dingle this October and beyond.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers.

"We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is seen as no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and organisers say that the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.