Congratulations! Four Carlow businesses announced as finalists in The Irish Food Awards 2025

Four exceptional food and drink producers from Carlow have made it through to the final stage of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025.

The finalists shortlisted from Carlow through to the final stage of Ireland's most prestigious food awards are Codd Mushrooms Ltd., Murphy's Craft Butchers, Seerys and Sunshine Juice Ltd. With the Carlow producers nominated across a wide range of categories, this marks a fantastic year for the county in the contest. 

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

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Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow in popularity with over 3,000 entries submitted from across the country and a record number of new producers participating this year. In addition to this, there are now 190 categories within the competition, including alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic alternatives.

The judging for the final took place over May, June and July and was 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 made it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

Commenting on the four Carlow businesses making it through to the final, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council, Kieran Comerford, said: "We are thrilled to see that Carlow has once again demonstrated its strength in food innovation and excellence, with several outstanding producers named as finalists in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards." 

He continued: "This national recognition reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Carlow’s commercial food production industry, which continues to grow through creativity, quality, and a deep connection to our local heritage. Carlow County Council, through its Local Enterprise Office, is proud to support local food businesses as they scale new heights and bring the best of Carlow to national and international audiences."

Speaking about the upcoming final in October, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford said: "It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards. 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."