It’s that time of year again as St. Patrick’s Day rolls around – entries are now open for Blas na hÉireann 2025, otherwise known as the Irish Food Awards.
The biggest blind tasting programme of its kind, Blas na hÉireann is now in its 18th year, celebrating the very best of Irish food and drink.
Kilkenny producers in particular have faired well at Blas in recent years, at the very least Arán Bakery & Bistro who took the overall Supreme Champion title at 2022’s awards for their spelt sourdough.
2024’s winners (bronze, silver or gold) included Callan Bacon, Eurospar Newpark (now SuperValu following the rebrand last October), Goatsbridge Trout, Arán again (taking gold for their sausage roll, seasonal Danish and citrus meringue tart) and Lekker Food Collection.
Now though, it’s all about 2025 and applications for food producers have opened. An early bird discount for submitting food products is available until 2 April with the ultimate closing date set at 15 May.
The winners will be announced at the Blas na hÉireann finals, with the Dingle Food Festival as the backdrop, on the first weekend in October.
Key dates for Blas na hÉireann 2025
- March 17: Entries open online
- April 2: Early bird discount expires
- May 15: Final date for entry
- June & July: Judging
- August: Finalists notified
- October 3: Winners announced
I’m a food producer, what do I do now?
Now that entries have opened, consider putting your best foot forward and getting your entry submitted.
On the product front, early bird rates are €70 per product, rising to €90/180 after that.
You can’t win the lotto without buying a ticket so get all the application details here.
