A scene from last year's Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards in Dingle.

Seven Offaly producers named as Blas na hÉireann finalists

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Seven producers from Offaly has been selected as finalists for this year's Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards.

The Offaly companies selected, across a wide range of categories, are Bon Chocolatiers (Tullamore), Flynn's Irish Whiskey (Cloghan Beverages Ltd), Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms, Glenisk (Killeigh), Pigs on the Green (Tullamore), Quarrymount Free Range Meats (Killeigh), and The Bogs Dollops (Rhode).

Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island this year, and a record number of new producers taking part. 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', supported by Bord Bia, and 'best artisan producer', supported by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network.

The judging, which took place over 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.

Orla Martin, who is head of enterprise at Offaly LEO, said: “Local Enterprise Offaly is delighted to see the seven finalist producers in the awards. The finalists are great representatives of Offaly's rich and varied food and drink network. We are thrilled to be involved by sponsoring the overall 'Best in Offaly' award. We are committed to supporting the dynamic food and drink sector in Offaly, and have a range of supports for entrepreneurs as they start-up, expand and export to new markets.”

This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend is due to take place in Dingle in October, and will see the return of the 'Eat Ireland in a Day' market and the Blas Village, where 2026 finalists can showcase products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country.

The awards themselves will be announced on Friday, October 2.

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