Blas na hÉireann 2025 winners announced in Dingle, with 8 producers from Co. Waterford taking home awards and Sophie's Taste Creations winning Best in County, proudly supported by Waterford Local Enterprise Office

All roads led to Dingle on Friday 3rd October for the eagerly anticipated finals of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, now in their 18th year and firmly established as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland.

This year, 9 producers from Co. Waterford were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 8 of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:

Blackwater Distillery, Cocoa by Judit, Coffee House Lane, Dawn Meats, Irish Country Meats, Irish Gourmet Butter, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese and Sophie's Taste Creations.

Sophie's Taste Creations was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

“On behalf of Local Enterprise Office Waterford and everyone across the county, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Sophie's Taste Creations for winning the prestigious Blas na hÉireann 'Best in County' award.” said Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the quality and innovation of her gluten and sugar-free cakes. The award is a well-deserved reflection of Sophie's hard work and dedication to creating exceptional products that are both delicious and healthy. Her success is a true inspiration to our local food community and a source of great pride for Waterford.”

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink. 

This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions supported by Bank of Ireland. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Waterford represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.” 

The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend ran from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October in Dingle, with a packed programme of events shining a spotlight on the very best of Irish food and drink. Sustainability once again remained a key focus, with the event continuing to build on its waste-free commitments and support a more conscious future for Irish food.