Blas na hÉireann 2026 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Kilkenny producers

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026, have been announced, with ​9 exceptional producers from Co. Kilkenny making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 1st October to Sunday 4th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves will be announced on Friday 2nd October.

Now in its 19th 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 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 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. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Kilkenny across a wide range of categories are Arán Bakery & Bistro, Cafe la Coco, Callan Bacon, Goatsbridge Fish Processors Ltd, Highbank Orchard, Karro Food Ltd - Cookstown, Lekker Food Collection, McCarthy's SuperValu, Newpark Shopping Centre Kilkenny and Tirlán.

"The Local Enterprise Office was pleased to partner with Blas na hÉireann this year in sponsoring several of the county's flagship awards." said John Mulcahy, LEO Kilkenny. "Kilkenny is home to an incredible wealth of passionate food producers and exceptional local produce, and these awards play an important role in celebrating and showing their achievements. Every one of the county's producers has done Kilkenny proud this weekend."

"It’s been another exceptional year for Blas na hÉireann," said Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. "The quality and creativity of this year's entries have been outstanding, showcasing the talent, innovation and dedication of food and drink producers across Ireland. Blas is all about celebrating these producers and giving them the recognition they deserve, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dingle this October."

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 2026 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With producer education and growth at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its community support for producers and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

Continuing this focus on education and collaboration, The Backyard at Blas, supported by Bank of Ireland, will return this year as an integral part of the Blas experience. Bringing together inspiring speakers and fellow producers, it offers a dedicated space for learning and networking.

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 Irish food so special.

www.irishfoodawards.com

Notes to Editors:

Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island of Ireland, open to all 32 counties. Judging took place during June and July and finalists were announced in mid-August. Awards will be presented in Dingle on Friday 2nd October, with the full Blas weekend running from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October and featuring networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival.

Blas na hÉireann remains a vital platform for recognising the quality and creativity of Irish food producers and makers are invited to put their products forward and be part of Ireland’s largest celebration of food and drink.

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