As a finalist producer for the awards we hope that you will join us for the many exciting events which take place over the weekend which offer you a chance to showcase your product and business.
Congratulations again on reaching this stage, this is a fantastic achievement and mark of success. Thank you in advance for taking the time to prepare ahead of the event, we do appreciate that some of the above tasks will take a little time but hope that you will understand that a little extra preparation at this point will help you to make the very most out of reaching the finalist stage.
Finalists are the very top scoring entries in a category (generally there are just 5 finalists although in some cases if scoring is extremely close there can be more).
The finalist stage has always been a very tough stage to reach, and producers have had success from promoting that they have reached this stage, putting them front and centre in the eyes of trade and press who are watching the finalist results. We will also be publishing a finalist guide which will be shared with buyers and press directly in advance of the awards.
The tasting for this year has been completed. From the finalists we will be announcing Gold, Silver & Bronze winners during our October awards and in the lead up to the awards all finalists can promote their achievements of reaching this stage. The awards will be announced live during the Awards Weekend in Dingle in the Blas Village and live online on Friday 4th October.
Please get in touch with us if you have questions info@irishfoodawards.com
It means you are amongst the very best in Ireland for what you do, celebrate your hard work!
Did you know it can have a measurable impact on sales? A survey of past winners showed that 81% had seen an increase in sales after displaying the Blas na hÉireann logo with 28% of those surveyed saying that they saw an increase in sales of over 20%. Find out here what previous finalists had to say!
Making the most of reaching the finalist stage…
Connect with us If you use social media please connect with us on X @BlasNahEireann, Facebook and Instagram. We will be sharing the most up to date news here and are always happy to share your news too. If you are sharing the news of your success please tag us in so that we can share on your behalf too, please use the hashtag #Blas2024
Ahead of the events, there are a few things to do to prepare for the event.
- RSVP to our events deadline Thursday 5th September – Please note all of our events are planned for finalist producers to help you to make the most of reaching this stage. There are no ticket fees or charges but we do ask that you RSVP to help us plan the events and prepare for you. RSVP online
- Blas Logo – We are proud to say that the Blas na hÉireann symbol has become one of the most recognisable quality marks for Irish shoppers. You may now use our finalist logo to promote your product. You can download the finalist logo here. By using this you are confirming that you agree with our logo usage terms & conditions
- Finalist Labels – You may now use our 2024 finalist flash label should you wish, you can order them direct from our team. You can find more details here on Blas labels
- The rules – You have at the time of entry confirmed that your product abides by our terms and conditions, it is your responsibility to advise us of any changes of sourcing, ingredients or production which will does not abide by our terms and conditions.
- Your business images & logos – We try to maximise opportunities to promote our finalists and winners online and, in the press, to do this we need to have a bank of good quality images which we can share on your behalf. Please email the images listed below to admin@irishfoodawards.com ;
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- A copy of your business logo
- An image of your product for promotional use
- An image of you and/or your team that we can share
Absolutely! We are proud to say that the Blas na hÉireann symbol has become one of the most recognisable quality marks for Irish shoppers. You may now use our finalist logo to promote your product. You can download the finalist logo here. By using this you are confirming that you agree with our logo usage terms & conditions
Finalist Labels – You may now use our 2024 finalist flash label should you wish, you can order them direct from our team. You can find more details here on Blas labels
Key dates in advance…
- Thursday 5th September – RSVP Deadline
- Monday 9th – Friday 13th September – Online Backyard Learning Sessions, check back for more details
- Monday 23rd – Friday 27th – Ambient / Long shelf life samples for showcase due
- Wednesday 2nd October – Chilled & Short shelf life samples for Buyers & Press Showcase due
More details on how, when and where to send samples listed below How and when should I send samples
Irish Food Awards 2024 Weekend of Events
Thursday 3rd October – The Blas Village will be open today for finalists producers to pick up your passes for the weekend.
Please note that the showcase marquee will be open for private viewing to buyers and press only on this day.
If you arrive to Dingle on Thursday 3rd please take the time to stop by the Blas Village, collect your name badge, stop by the Blas Backyard where we will have some sessions to help you prepare for the few days. Blas Welcome Tent open from 12noon – 8pm
Find more details on the Blas Backyard here
There are also some fun social things taking place which you might like to come along to, including a foodie quiz which will take place on Thursday 3rd in McCarthy’s Bar – more details to follow
Friday 4th October
- 8am – Blas Welcome tent open for registration, collect your name badges, programmes Blas Backyard – Coffee, networking, panel discussions and speakers
- 9am – Blas 2024 Finalist – Group Photograph Location: The Blas Village We will be taking a photo for press release purposes of all finalists in attendance which will take place at 9am on Friday 4th. Please arrive 15mins earlier
Please note that for the shot you should prepare as follows; When planning your outfit for this morning think about what will look best in the photograph, this doesn’t have to be a suit but something that you are comfortable in and reflects you and your business!
- The Blas Backyard – Panel discussions, speakers and networking throughout the day
- Awards presentations begin at 10.30am – check your timings for your category here
Saturday 5th October
- The Blas Village Opens at 9am
- Blas Welcome Tent – Blas team on hand to help with questions, labels etc
- 10am – Buyers Masterclass
- The Blas Backyard – Panel discussions, speakers and networking throughout the day
- Space to gather and meet fellow finalists for a coffee and a chat
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The Showcase Marquee – Display of finalists, networking with buyers and press
Absolutely, if you can!
Over the past 17 years the Blas weekend has become a key event in the Irish food industry’s calendar. We know that life and work is busy and it can be tricky to take time out but we would encourage all of our finalists to attend the events in Dingle.
Attending in person will give you a chance to
- Celebrate with your fellow finalists
- Meet buyers, industry & press who are coming to Dingle to look for the very best of Irish
- Take part in our Blas backyard which has inspiring and informative speakers and panels
These are just some of the benefits of attending Blas. You have the potential of using this event to expand your business, here is what past Winners have to say about the awards!In the meantime if you have any questions we will be happy to help, you can reach us on info@irishfoodawards.com
While not every finalist will go home with a Gold, Silver or a Bronze award the finalist accreditation is the true mark of success and the opportunities which the weekend will bring are very much worth making the most of!
No, this is not a ticketed event but you must RSVP.
The event is exclusively for our finalists, buyers, press and guests. You do not have to purchase tickets but you must RSVP , deadline 3rd September.
It is worth remembering that this is not a formal seated event. Our Blas events are always designed to make the most of your time, allow space for networking, catching up with friends and celebrating with family and your team. You can view highlights from 2023 here.It is well worth taking a moment to watch the video and see the informal, busy style of the events and all that awaits you.
RSVP here – Deadline September 3rd
https://submit.link/2P7
The awards presentations will be made across 8 sessions, beginning from 10.30am and running through to 6.30pm. Throughout the day The Marquee & The Backyard at Blas will be open as networking areas. Check the timings for your category presentation. Family & Friends are welcome but please be sure to RSVP so we can plan.
Awards are announced by category throughout timed sessions during the day. We spread this out throughout the day so producers can pop into their session and still have lots of time for networking and attending Backyard talks. Essentially making the most of your time!
You can check the timings for your category here
Please take care to check your time, if you are unsure at all you can reach us on events@irishfoodawards.com and we will be happy to advise
Housekeeping
– The session is fast paced and our winners will be announced as part of one announcement covering all categories within that session.
Once the announcement is complete we have approx 45 minutes between sessions to allows us to take our time getting photographs of each finalist and winner.
Producers are invited to come to our team within that time at the collection desks to collect their cert and if they are also a winner collect their Dingle Crystal glass piece. We have lots of time between sessions so we do encourage producers to come forward as they have time and if there is a queue ahead of you then you can take the time to call home and let them know the good news!
You don’t need to make a speech but we do encourage you to share your news online!
Photos – we take a photo of every finalist and winner. Please do come forward to get your photo taken. This is shared with you after the event but also shared with press. Local media in particular then to include all photos from their region, it is really important to be part of this selection showing your counties finalists and winners.
Certificates & Glass There is a certificate for every finalist and winner. We also have a piece of Dingle Crystal glass for Bronze, Silver & Gold as well as key awards.
Right in the heart of Dingle town the Blas Village includes Blas Awards Venue, Showcase & Networking Area as well as The Backyard at Blas and Eat Ireland in a Day
The few days in this venue, particularly as the awards are announced are full of good feeling, people cheering each other on and all the very best of food on the island. The Blas Village venues are devoted to creating opportunities for you the finalist to meet each other and with the journalists, buyers and industry who travel to Dingle on that weekend.
As always it is dedicated to celebrating the very best of Irish food & drinks and you, the passionate people who make them.
What is in the Blas Village….
Blas Welcome Tent This is where our team will be on site to welcome our finalists, you can collect your passes, programmes & keep cup for the weekend.
Once awards are announced flash labels will also be available here to purchase.
- Thursday 3rd – 12noon – 8pm
- Friday 4th – 8am – 7pm
- Saturday 5th – 9am – 5pm
Blas Awards venue This is where the awards will be presented on Friday 4th. Sessions run throughout the day, you can check your category time here. Please do check your session timing so you can make the most of the rest of the time attending Backyard panel discussions and networking in the marquee. We will be announcing Gold, Silver & Bronze winners in each category and there will be a certificate and photograph for every finalist.
This is not a seated venue or a formal event, our focus is on celebrating the producers, cheering each other on and getting your all-important photograph!
The Backyard at Blas The Backyard, supported by Bank of Ireland is a dedicated space for producers to meet their industry colleagues, gain knowledge & find support for their business.
Set in a relaxed, informal venue, hot topics are covered with industry leaders and experts in a number of engaging conversation panels followed by Q&As. Throughout the day on Friday 4th & Saturday 5th attendees have the opportunity to grab a coffee and chat with key people and fellow producers. Please note the Backyard will be open on Friday & Saturday with panel discussions taking place on both days. Find more details here
Blas Showcase Marquee 2024 finalist products will be showcased in The Blas Marquee. This event is designed to showcase the excellent products which have made it to the finals. It is an opportunity for buyers and press to discover the products which have been chosen from the many entries from across the country which represent the very best quality produce in Ireland. Award judges, journalists, buyer and chefs along with our sponsors will be invited to this event which is an opportunity for you to network directly with the people who can grow your business. Bring plenty of business cards and a big smile!
The Blas Village is located on Green St at the very heart of Dingle.
There is no parking on site. Please remember that this is a very busy weekend in Dingle and town centre parking is limited. Please use parking on the outskirts of town and come to The Blas Village on foot. The town is small and easy to navigate on foot and the weekend is social!
The venue is also right at the heart of Dingle town so there are lots of great options for lunch and dinner nearby. We do have a coffee dock on site which is part of our Backyard at Blas venue which is supported by Bank of Ireland. The coffee area is supported by Andrew Ingredients with lots of lovely baked treats, teas and coffees.
Please note that we are making every effort to reduce waste and as such there will be no single use cups on site. We will have keep cups for our finalists to use and take home but we do encourage people to bring their own keep cups and refillable water bottles also.
Yes, we ask that you do.
Although our judging is now complete we are working on showcasing the very best to the trade and press!
Our 2024 finalists represent the very best of Irish food & drink and we want to be sure your finalist product is included in this.
We create a showcase marquee and the shelves in this shop-floor style display will represent the top products in each category. Buyers and press have registered to attend so they can view the very best of Irish all in one place.
This venue is open for private preview to buyers and press only on Thursday 3rd. Buyers use this time to preview in advance of the networking on Friday 4th & Saturday 5th. This venue is open as a networking space exclusive to Blas finalist producers, buyers and press on Friday 4th 9.30 – 7pm & Saturday 30th from 9am – 5pm
Products should be delivered as they are presented in their packaging to the customer. Samples will be displayed in their shop ready state. Products do not need to be delivered by the producer. Courier deliveries can be accepted. Dates for delivery as follows….
- Chilled & short shelf life samples Deliver to The Blas Village, Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry V92RR76 Deliveries accepted on Wednesday 2nd October only 9am – 4pm
Please note that Soul Food are offering a chilled courier service from Dublin in a shared delivery. Find out more details here - Ambient & long shelf life samples Deliver to Blas na hÉireann, Dykegate Lane, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 H365. Deliveries accepted Mon 23rd – Friday 27th September 9am – 5pm.
Please be sure to send any ambient / longer shelf life samples in this week to our office address.
The showcase build is busy and the more prep we can do in advance the better it is for the display!
When sending, remember…
- It is vital that the entry number is included clearly (Example 1a-24-10123)
Please include this on the back or underneath every sample so that display products appear at their best. - Two samples of each product (Note, if your product exceeds 1 kg per sample in this case 1 samples will suffice) Best Before date must be included on each sample. All chilled products should arrive at the correct temperature for storage Sampling & Display in The Marquee
- The finalist products will be displayed in their shop ready state. The Blas team will prepare this display.
- Please note that we will not be able to offer space for display stands, leaflets or sampling.
- We do not have the space or facilities to allow producers to offer samples of the products. We may select some products which our team will prepare and offer as samples to buyers and press. This is a very limited amount, based entirely on the facilities, space available and food samples ease of preparation (essentially ‘open & serve’).
Yourself, your business cards and a smile!
We also recommend…
Your phone with good battery for taking pictures and sharing the celebrations!
A keep cup and refillable water bottle, we are aiming to reduce number of single use items on site as best we can. We will not have disposable cups although we will have keep cups for our finalists.
Samples?
We will have received your finalist product samples in advance and these will be on display. We ask that you do not remove the samples from the display once it is built as this is a showcase of all finalists for buyers and press.
If you would like to bring additional samples to have on hand to pass to buyers you can certainly do this, we would recommend it is a small amount as we will not be able to store.
We do know from experience however that many buyers are happy to receive the samples after the event as a follow up.
The Blas team are not overly formal and neither are our events!
When planning your outfit for today think about what will look best in the photographs, this doesn’t have to be a suit but something that you are comfortable in and reflects you and your business!
If it’s helpful you can look through highlights of our 2023 event here
No, there is no parking as the Blas Village is located on Green St at the very heart of Dingle.
Please remember that this is a very busy weekend in Dingle and town centre parking is limited. Please use parking on the outskirts of town and come to The Blas Village on foot. The town is small and easy to navigate on foot and the weekend is social!
You can find more details here
Outside of the official Blas na hÉireann events there are many other fantastic opportunities to meet with producers, buyers and journalists. The Dingle Food Festival is an event which has grown to be one of the most recognised and well attended food events in Ireland. The festival will include a series of 70+ Taste Trail, cookery demonstrations, wine tastings, food related workshops, a foraging walk and a fantastic food market. www.dinglefood.com
A market for all Blas na hÉireann & Dingle Food Festival attendees (visitors and locals) to discover the very best of Irish food & drinks from the Blas na hÉireann finalists and winners. It’s a vibrant market style area which highlights the quality food & drinks which have reached the finalist stage of this all island competition.
Spaces are only available to Blas finalists
