Laois producers make the cut in Irish Food Awards

Five producers from Laois have made it through to the final stages of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday, October 3.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Laois  across a wide range of categories are Aghaboe Farm Foods, G's Gourmet Jams Ltd., Mueller & O'Connell Bakery, Zephyr Yard and The Village Dairy.

“We are incredibly proud to see five outstanding Laois food producers shortlisted as finalists in the upcoming Blas na hÉireann Awards.” said Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Laois. 

“This recognition is a testament to their hard work, innovation, and the exceptional quality of food being produced right here in our county. These businesses not only represent the best of Laois, but they also showcase the strength and potential of our local food sector on a national stage. We wish them every success in the final.”

“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford.

 “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

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Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.
The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.