Entries sought for Blas na hÉireann

Local food producers are reminded that entries for this year’s Irish Food Awards, Blas na hÉireann, will close on Friday 20th May

The pretty seaside town of Dingle is gearing up to host the first in-person Blas na hÉireann awards event in two years.

Regarded by many as a key event in the Irish food industry’s calendar, Blas na hÉireann, like so many others, celebrated their finalists and winners online over the past two years.

The awards seek to reward the very best, not just in their category but to highlight the best of local as well, including an award for Best in Meath which is supported by LEO Meath.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be planning our awards in Dingle this year,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairman, Artie Clifford.

“We were lucky to have been able to move quickly in 2020 and while we were in a position to run our judging throughout the summer months in the last two years, we weren’t able to welcome everyone together for the networking and awards."

This year is the 15th year of Blas na hÉireann with last year seeing a huge increase in entries and many new producers entering the food awards for the very first time.

The blind- tasting judging system which was designed by The School of Food and Nutritional Science at U.C.C. under the supervision of Prof. Joe Kerry and the team at Blas is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.

Winners are always the best Blas ambassadors. Something 15 years worth of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won Blas awards can attest to.

Research has shown that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the coveted winner’s sticker and award logo on products really does encourage shoppers to buy – it is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.

"We were proud to feature in the Blas na hÉireann Awards over the past number of years. This is a highly organised event which showcases quality Irish produce. We are delighted to display the Blas na hÉireann badge of honour on our premium jams and believe it endorses our wholesome product." Pat Clarke, Clarke's Fresh Fruit, Stamullen.

Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2022 are open until 20th May. See www.irishfoodawards.com for more information.