Waterford food producers in the running for prestigious Blas na hÉireann awards

Twelve food producers from Waterford are in the running for prizes after they were announced as finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, 2024 which take place in Dingle in early October.

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another record-breaking year across all categories along with many new producers - from Waterford and elsewhere -  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.

The 12 finalists shortlisted from Co. Waterford, across a range of different categories, are: Blue Butterfly Coffee Company Ltd, Coffee House Lane, Dawn Meats, Dessert First, Dole Ireland, Dungarvan honey, Irish Gourmet Butter, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, Legacy Irish Cider, Sophie's Taste Creations, Viking Irish Drinks and Waterford mead.

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Speaking as the finalists were announced, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford said: “I started the awards after 30 years in the food industry, and I knew there was a need to celebrate the amazing food and drink being produced on the island of Ireland. 17 years later, it continues to delight me the number of new producers entering each year along with so many familiar faces returning year on year. 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.”

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 the 2024 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.

One new element at Blas will be the removal of any single use cups and the introduction of the first electric van delivering food and drink to the awards from across the country. These new initiatives are supported by Bank of Ireland in partnership with Blas.

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 making Blas na hÉireann 2024 a food event not to be missed!