Mayo take home ten awards at Blas na hÉireann awards

On Friday, October 3, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, now in its 18th year, took place. 

This year, thirteen producers from Mayo were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, ten of which went on to win. The bronze, silver, and gold winners from the county include:

Baker 51 Cafe, Foxford Cafe, Hanley Catering, Jack & Eddie's, Jackita Investments Limited c/s The Storehouse Bakery, Kelly's of Newport (Artisan Butchers) Ltd., Mescan Brewery, O'Donoghues Bakery, O'Hara's Bakery, and Velvet Cloud.

Foxford Cafe was awarded Best in County and was sponsored by Mayo Local Enterprise Office. 

John Magee, Head of Enterprise with Mayo County Council,

"A huge congratulations to all the businesses honoured in this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards, especially the recipient of the Best in County title, Foxford Cafe,

 “These awards highlight the exceptional quality and diversity of Mayo’s producers, who continue to showcase the richness and innovation of our local food and drink sector." John Magee, Head of Enterprise with Mayo County Council.” He added.

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink. 

This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions supported by Bank of Ireland. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people and the talents that make Irish food so special.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said 

 “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Mayo represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity, and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud.

“Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”  He added.