Now in our 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 it’s producers as our awards are 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. As well as the awards being held here, finalists and winners have the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers.
Entries open on 17th March and the tasting, which is the largest blind tasting on the island of Ireland takes place throughout June & July.
In 2023 entries reached over 3000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 150 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.
“Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of,” says 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. In 2023 was not just the excellent food and drink that has been celebrated but the people themselves, our passionate and resilient producers. It has been quite a homecoming for our Blas family and we are looking forward already to doing it all over again this year.”
Key dates for 2024
17th March – Open for entries Entry form
3rd April – Earlybird deadline
16th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
Mid August – Finalists Notified
4th October – Blas na hÉireann awards presented
(Blas Village with Networking, Showcase, Awards & Eat Ireland in a Day running from 4th – 6th Oct)
2024 Categories
2024 Delivery Locations & Dates for Judging
2024 Entry Form
Entry Fees
€90 (plus VAT) per entry for all entries made under a producers’ brand name
(There is an early bird rate of €70 (plus VAT) per entry available from 17th March to 3rd April)
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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 international industry standard.
Research has shown that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers and using the award logo on packs encourages shoppers to buy these products. It is their guarantee of a top quality Irish product.
Blas na hÉreann was founded so that quality benchmarks could be established for Irish produce on a level playing field. Winning at Blas has made a significant business difference to our winners.
Read their testimonials, they are our best ambassadors.