SuperValu celebrates Mayo success as local producers scoop three National Food Awards

SuperValu’s Mayo-based Food Academy producers have once again been recognised for their products, claiming three awards at this year’s prestigious Blás na hÉireann awards. This achievement forms part of SuperValu’s overall success in the competition, where producers working with Ireland’s largest grocery retailer secured an impressive 96 awards across a wide range of categories including SuperValu Own Brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes and The Happy Pear ranges.

Mayo producers amongst the winners for the silver and ‘Best Start Up’ were Noble Mango Sorbet, produced by Julia and Alexander Kuzminova of Nice Ice Cream.

One of Food Academy’s newest producers starting in 2025, Nice Ice Cream won The Blás na hÉireann “Best Start Up” award. Julia and Alexander from Odesa, have combined their passion for organic fruits and premium ingredients with high quality organic Irish milk, to create a range of exquisite ice creams & refreshing sorbets.

Mayo producers amongst the winners for the bronze awards were: Noble Chocolate Ice Cream, produced by Julia and Alexander Kuzminova of Nice Ice Cream and Jack & Eddie’s Black Pudding, produced by Ray O’Malley. Using a secret family recipe and from the farm nestled in the hills between Westport, Co. Mayo and Leenane, Co. Galway, Ray from Jack and Eddie’s produces his award-winning puddings. 

Food Academy is a unique and tailored producer development programme run in partnership between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and accredited by TU Dublin as a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. The programme serves as a platform for showcasing the excellence of quality Irish products and the innovative spirit of food and drink producers across the nation. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €260 million of products in SuperValu since 2013.

Luke Hanlon, Managing Director, SuperValu said: “2025 has been a remarkable year for SuperValu’s Mayo Food Academy producers at the Blás na hÉireann awards, where our local suppliers were celebrated once again for their quality, innovation, and diverse offering. Supporting homegrown talent has always been at the core of SuperValu, and it’s inspiring to see these producers receive the recognition they truly deserve. We remain committed to championing the very best of Irish food.”

SuperValu has long championed locally, Irish-sourced food and drink, working with more than 1,800 suppliers, and this year’s wins further emphasise the variety and excellence across all categories: from meats and dairy to innovative new products. 

Now in year 18, the Blás na hÉireann awards celebrates the very best food and drink from across the island of Ireland. With thousands of entries spanning over 180 categories, it is recognised as an industry gold standard, where products are blind tasted by expert chefs, restaurateurs, academics, and journalists. SuperValu’s continued success at the awards underscores the retailer’s commitment to championing the highest quality Irish food and drink.

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