Mayo food producers prominent in Irish Food Awards shortlist

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, have been announced with 14 Mayo producers on the list.

The finalists shortlisted from across Mayo are Carr and Sons, CPAC Foods, Foxford Café, Gleann Bui Farm, Hanley Catering, Hefferniatt Foods Limited T/A The Food Store, Jack & Eddie's, Krem Delights Limited, Mescan Brewery, Moylurg Honey, O'Haras Bakery, Van Velze's Chocolates Ltd, Velvet Cloud and Western Brand Chicken. 

The countdown is on for another exciting and joyous awards weekend in the seaside town of Dingle from October 3-5. The Blas team are hard at work preparing for the arrival of food and drink producers from across Ireland to celebrate the very best of Irish.  

“Once again Local Enterprise Office Mayo (LEO) is delighted to support Mayo food and drinks businesses at the Irish Food Awards.” said John Magee, Head of Enterprise at LEO Mayo and Chair of the LEO Network.

Mr Magee explained how the awards highlight the ‘high-quality produce and great work’ by these businesses in areas such as ‘innovation, new product development, marketing, and business development’. 

Now, in its seventeenth year, Blas na hÉireann saw another record-breaking year across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year. 

During the judging, which took place in June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged, testament to the number of brilliant producers across the country.   

Speaking as the finalists were announced, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson of the event, Artie Clifford said when he began in the food industry 30 years ago, he knew there was a need to celebrate ‘the amazing food and drink being produced on the island of Ireland’. 

“We are an island of phenomenal producers and should be very proud of that, being able to showcase the very best of the best in Dingle each year is a real privilege for the whole Blas team,” he added.

This year’s Blas na hÉireann awards in Dingle will see the return of Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village where finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers. 

This year's focus will be on sustainability with a commitment to encourage zero-waste throughout the three days of the awards in line with the Dingle Food Festival ethos.

For finalist producers it is not just their exceptional food and drink which will be celebrated in Dingle but the people themselves, the passionate producers who make the very best of Irish will be recognised and rewarded.

For more information, see the Irish Food Awards website.