Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish Food Awards, open on Saint Patrick’s Day, Sunday 17th March. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink.
Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until 3 April. The closing date for entries this year is 16 May, with judging happening over the summer months and the award winners announced on Friday 4 October.
“It’s hard to believe we are now in our 17th year running the awards,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann chairman.
“Looking back to when we started and had just under 400 applications to where we are now with nearly 3,000 entries last year, it is a testament not only to the fantastic food and drink producers of Ireland, but also to the measurable impact these awards have on small artisan businesses. Since creating the Blas Village, we have seen even more momentum and opportunities for producers with high engagement between them and key industry buyers. We are very much looking forward to seeing what this year brings and welcoming new producers participating right across the island.”
Together with the Food Science Dept of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, the team at Blas na hÉireann have developed a blind-tasting judging system that is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. Research has shown that the Blas na hÉireann accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the award logo on products encourages shoppers to buy – it is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024 open on Sunday 17 March and there is an early bird fee of €70 (ex VAT) until 3 April.
For full rates and further details, see irishfoodawards.com
