Calling all Carlow food and drink producers! Entries now open for Irish Food Awards 2025

Local food and drink producers in Carlow have been invited to apply for this year's Blas na hÉireann 2025, or the Irish Food Awards, as entries have now opened. 

The country's largest competition for quality Irish produce returns this year for its 18th year to recognise the very best in Irish food and drink. Local producers across all categories are invited to enter the contest with the deadline for all entries being the 15 May.

The awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in Ireland and is recognised as "an industry gold standard worldwide." The tasting will take place throughout June and July before the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October. 

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Over 3,000 products from every county in the country were entered last year in over 170 food and drink categories. Winning an award at the contest can go a long way for businesses and so Carlow producers are encouraged to get involved. 

Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise, LEO Carlow said: "Blas na hÉireann is a powerful platform that showcases the very best of Irish food and drink, and Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office is proud to support our local producers in achieving national recognition."

He added: "This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing food entrepreneurship, celebrating excellence, and driving growth in the local agri-food sector."

Blas na hÉireann Chairman Artie Clifford shared: "It’s an exciting time when we begin our annual process again. Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded.

"With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this year’s bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hÉireann 2025."