Tipperary food producers invited to enter Irish Food Awards as applications open

Entries to Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are now open, calling on producers from across Tipperary to take part in the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.

Now entering its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has grown into the definitive benchmark for excellence in Irish food and drink, celebrating the producers who define the country’s dynamic food landscape.

Each year, the awards culminate in a famously buzzy and exciting celebration in Dingle, where the Blas Village transforms the town into a national meeting point for Ireland’s food community.

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Producers travel from every corner of the country to gather in the heart of Dingle, showcasing their products, meeting customers, connecting with key industry buyers, and celebrating the very best of Irish produce.

For finalists and winners, it is an unparalleled opportunity to place their products on a national stage.

The scale of the awards continues to grow year on year. In 2025, more than 3,000 products were entered, including a significant number of first-time producers, with entries coming from every county in Ireland.

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The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.

The judging process, carried out in partnership with UCC, represents the largest blind tasting on the island of Ireland, taking place throughout June and July and ensuring a rigorous, independent assessment of every entry.

“Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of,” says Artie Clifford, Chairperson and founder of Blas na hÉireann. “The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short-listed as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.”

For producers in Tipperary, participation offers more than the chance to win an award; it is an opportunity to join a national network of like-minded food makers, gain industry recognition and build new connections that can support long-term growth. Many past finalists credit Blas na hÉireann with opening doors to new markets, retail partnerships and export opportunities.

Entries are now open at www.irishfoodawards.com. An early bird entry rate applies until Thursday April 2, with the final deadline for submissions on Thursday May 14.

Finalists will be notified in mid-August, with the Blas na hÉireann awards presented on October 2 as part of the Blas Village celebrations in Dingle, running from October 1 to 4 and featuring networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival.

Blas na hÉireann remains a vital platform for recognising the quality and creativity of Irish food producers and makers are invited to put their products forward and be part of Ireland’s largest celebration of food and drink.