Five Offaly food producers named as Blas na hÉireann finalists
Five producers from County Offaly have been named as finalists at Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards 2025, taking place in Dingle, County Kerry, from October 2-5.
The finalists shortlisted from County Offaly, across a wide range of categories, are Bon Chocolatiers, Carroll's of Tullamore, Heavey & Co, Pigs On The Green and Sofina Foods.
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.
“Local Enterprise Offaly is delighted to see the finalist producers in the Blas na hÉireann awards this year. The Blas na hÉireann awards are a celebration of best in class for these food businesses and we are thrilled to be involved by sponsoring the overall Best in Offaly award.
"We are committed to growing 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," Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Offaly, said.
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.