A flavour of what to expect at Blas 2026

Blas na hÉireann 2026 returns to Dingle with 3,000 entries, 200 categories and Ireland’s top food and drink producers competing for awards.

The finalists for this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards have been revealed ahead of the prestigious food and drink celebration in Dingle. Widely regarded as the largest blind tasting competition for produce in Ireland, the awards are judged using a system developed by Blas na hÉireann in partnership with the Food Science Department at University College Cork, a methodology that is now recognised internationally as an industry standard.

All About Kombucha (Galway)

A kombucha brewery nestled in the Gaeltacht, All About Kombucha has been serving cans of unpasteurised, live, and organic kombucha since 2017. Their products are all hand-canned and brewed. Their mission is to create a kombucha which is good on the gut, good to the planet and good on the palate.

Originally operating from a garden shed, the business has grown to a state-of-the-art premises in Claregalway.

Their award-winning products can be found in restaurants, cafes and supermarkets all over Ireland.

Builín Blasta Cafe & Bakery (Galway)

Based in Spiddal, Builin Blasta originally opened as a native Irish-speaking café. Founder Heather Flaherty realised that she needed additional sources of income. With an in-house kitchen in the café, Heather and her team went about creating homemade condiments that they could then sell to their customers and place in shops around Galway and in future around Ireland. Having developed their own smoked onion mayonnaise, homemade Caesar Salad and honey mustard dressing, the brand then joined The SuperValu Food Academy and is now placed in several SuperValu stores around Ireland.

Burren Smokehouse (Clare)

With the Atlantic Ocean on their doorstep it’s no surprise that there are so many high quality fishmongers in county Clare. The Burren Smokehouse is one of those businesses. Having been in business for more than 30 years, the company was born out of the Roadside Tavern Pub in Lisdoonvarna. The family run business then started to sell their smoked salmon first in the Burren, then in the county, then nationally and now send their products internationally all over the world with a 24 to 48 hour delivery time. The brand has won more than 20 national and international awards for their eco-friendly and sustainable approach as well as for the quality of their products.

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers

Established in 1984 in Tipperary by Louis and Jane Grubb, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers holds a pioneering place in Ireland’s farmhouse cheese movement as one of the country’s first producers in this category.

Over four decades, the brand has built a reputation for quality artisan cheese rooted in traditional farmhouse methods. Their longevity and early-mover status give them significant credibility and heritage value within the Irish artisan food sector, making them a trusted name for retailers and consumers seeking authentic, farm-produced cheese with a genuine story behind the product.

Named the best Artisan Producer last year Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers will be hoping that they can come out on top again this year!

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Couverture Desserts (Kildare)

Each Couverture dessert is handcrafted by skilled pâtissiers in Naas, from cheesecake to millionaire’s shortbread.

From humble beginnings in 1998, the business has been a sweet success, bringing joy and indulgence to people’s lives through the art of dessert-making.

Products include its signature taste orange chocolate cake which won Gold at Blas in 2022 and a Star award at the Great Taste Awards in 2023.

Coghlan’s Bakery

Founded in 1988 by Brendan and Yolanda Coghlan in Kildare, Coghlan’s Bakery supplies premium burger buns and foodservice bakery products, including organic bread. Their foodservice focus distinguishes them from typical retail bakeries, positioning Coghlan’s as a trusted supplier to restaurants, cafés, and food businesses rather than solely direct consumers. They developed trend driven baking as they understand that customers’ needs shape their demand. The inclusion of organic options reflects responsiveness to demand for higher-quality, ethically produced ingredients within the foodservice supply chain, making Coghlan’s a strong partner for businesses seeking consistent, premium bakery products at scale. They offer a private label service also where they can bake goods under a private name for supermarkets, cafes and much more. Having been successful as “Best in Kildare” in 2025 they will be hoping for some renewed success this time around with a steady run of finalist appearances over the last few years.

G’s Gourmet Jams (Laois)

20 years ago Helen Gee’s passion for food saw an opening to bring her family recipes back to life, and from her kitchen she started to build a brand that came from the heart. G’s Gourmet Jams are made with only the highest quality and all-natural ingredients to ensure her time-honoured recipes taste just like “Granny used to make”.

From Helen’s start-up success, G’s Gourmet Jams kitchen has now moved into a modern production unit located beside the family home on the farm situated near the heritage town of Abbeyleix. G’s Gourmet Jams nostalgic taste and high quality has resonated with consumers over the past 20 years and with their continuous support the business has grown steadily over the years in both the retail and food service sectors. With the success of these award-winning Jams, Marmalades and Jellies, a savoury range of Chutneys, Relishes, Sauces and a Reduced Sugar range were added to bring diversity to their product portfolio which now includes over 40 products.

Glenstal Foods

Glenstal Foods, based in Murroe, Co Limerick in the heart of Ireland’s Golden Vale, is an award-winning Irish dairy company specialising in butter and cheese production.

Since 1995 they have been building tight knit relationships with many multinational companies leading to their products being sent worldwide and forming an international footprint.

Their accolades reflect a strong commitment to product quality and craftsmanship within Ireland’s competitive dairy sector. As a Limerick-rooted producer, Glenstal Foods represents the strength of Irish dairy heritage, combining traditional dairy expertise with the consistency needed to compete at an award-winning level.

Their focus on core dairy staples – butter and cheese – suggests a producer concentrated on doing fewer things exceptionally well. Glenstal Irish Creamery Salted Butter beat over 2,500 entries to win the Supreme Champion Award at the Blas na hÉireann Awards in 2017.

Goatsbridge Trout Farm (Kilkenny)

Knowledge and experience of trout farming has resulted in a business that thrives on providing health and nutrition. Trout is rich in omega 3 fats that have strong health benefits in terms of iron, vitamins and can be useful for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.

Trout farming has been a thing in the Nore Valley for more than 800 years and the Little Arrigle River with its crystal clear waters provides an abundance of rainbow trout with unique taste and texture.

Focused on the most sustainable methods of farming and production Goatsbridge produce everything from smoked tinned trout to trout fillets and darnes.

Hopkins and Hopkins

Led by Robert, Hopkins and Hopkins is a family-owned craft brewery in Dublin’s Smithfield, producing high-quality small-batch beers. Their proximity to the capital gives them strong visibility and access to Dublin’s active craft beer scene, while their family ownership model suggests a hands-on, quality-focused approach to brewing.

The Bow Street Brewery in the heart of Dublin is where craft meets history and over the past thirty years they have brewed in many breweries across the world which has led to Hopkins and Hopkins and its growth in the Irish craft beer scene.

Small-batch production allows for careful attention to flavour and consistency, positioning Hopkins and Hopkins as a genuine craft alternative within Ireland’s growing independent brewery landscape, appealing to consumers seeking authenticity over mass-produced beer. One of their unique offerings is the Bow St stout in connection with the brewery location.

Irish Yogurts Clonakilty (Cork)

Irish Yogurts Clonakilty is a family-run dairy business producing award-winning live yogurts and crème fraîche since 1994. Based in West Cork, the company uses a unique churn-style process to create smooth, creamy textures and rich flavours. Made with fresh milk from local farms, real fruit, and live cultures, their products contain no artificial colours or flavours. Committed to innovation and quality, Irish Yogurts Clonakilty offers a wide range of delicious options for every occasion.

Jack & Eddie’s (Mayo) 

Jack & Eddie’s is a family-run producer of award-winning sausages, bacon, and puddings, crafted on a fifth-generation farm in County Mayo, Ireland. Known for using only the freshest ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations, the company prides itself on quality, flavour, and innovation. Their handcrafted pork products are stocked across Ireland and celebrated for their authenticity and taste, earning accolades at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards.

Janet’s Just Delicious

Run by Janet Drew in Wicklow, Janet’s Just Delicious produces simple, clean-label pasta and pizza sauces. The brand’s focus on clean ingredients reflects a clear response to growing consumer demand for transparency and minimal-ingredient food products.

Based in Wicklow, the company represents the kind of small, founder-led food business that thrives on trust and product integrity rather than scale. Their sauce range offers an accessible entry point for consumers looking to move away from heavily processed alternatives without sacrificing convenience.

Every sauce they make is based on simple ingredients and cooked in small batches in Co. Wicklow. No artificial preservatives but instead real food which is becoming more and more popular as the education around this increases!

Kearneys Home Baking (Limerick)

Equipped with family expertise, determination and a love for good food, sisters Maura and Siobhan Kearney set up their own business at the tender ages of 20 and 22. Their bakehouse was built on a Greenfield site in Ballyhahill, County Limerick surrounded by scenic countryside and an abundance of fresh air. The sisters bravely opened the bakehouse doors for business in June 1992.

More than 30 years on, Maura and Siobhan employ twenty-five staff and their business continues to go from strength to strength.

Products include soda breads, scones, tarts and crumbles, cakes, buns and seasonal favourites.

Their delivery vans service shops and supermarkets from Limerick, North Kerry and North Cork on a daily basis.

Longmeadow Cider

Beginning in 1968 with the planting of a Bramley apple tree, they have diversified from the cider to apple juice and apple cider vinegar also. Led by Pat McKeever in Armagh, Longmeadow Cider represents the third generation of a craft cider-producing family, carrying forward decades of accumulated expertise.

Their quality has been formally recognised through a Blas award, including the Blas Regional Star Producer title for Northern Ireland. This generational continuity combined with award recognition gives Longmeadow strong credibility in the craft cider space.

Their story of multi-generational family production offers a compelling authenticity angle that resonates well with consumers seeking heritage-backed, small-batch alcoholic beverages. Not only do they provide their products as offerings, they have tours along with tasting and the option to hire out the “Bramley Barn” for private events. Having won Gold prize at Blas na hEireann 2025 for their Blossom Burst Cider, the long awaited 2026 awards in Dingle will be an event they will be looking forward to undoubtedly.

Mammy Johnstons (Sligo)

Mammy Johnston’s is an award-winning, family-run ice cream parlour located in Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Renowned for its handcrafted gelato, crepes, baked treats, and fresh coffee, it has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. With a wide range of flavours and a commitment to quality, Mammy Johnston’s also supplies gelato to businesses and caters for events. Its seaside location and community spirit make it a standout along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Mór Taste (Wexford)

Mór Taste is an Irish food company dedicated to crafting jams and spreads with exceptionally high fruit content and minimal sugar. Founded by Felix after a personal health journey, the brand uses only natural ingredients—fruit, sugar, and pectin—without concentrates or artificial sweeteners. With award-winning products like its Cherry Jam, Mór Taste offers a healthier, more flavourful alternative to traditional jams. Its mission is simple: more fruit, less sugar, and uncompromising taste in every spoonful.

Niks Tea (Dublin)

Like many family businesses Niks Tea began around a conversation at the kitchen table. In 2011, disappointed with the lack of availability of quality Irish leaf tea blends locally or online, they began testing the waters at farmers markets and tea events.

From this humble beginning Niks Tea blends have achieved the highest accolades winning many national food awards, listings in flagship supermarkets, speciality & health food retail stores. Since 2016 its catering range is served in many cafes, restaurants and hotels throughout Ireland.

Produced to the highest standards in sustainability Niks Teas are organic and available in a variety of flavours. Since first entering the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards in 2013 Niks Tea has achieved many Gold Silver and Bronze Awards in recognition of its innovation and creative tea. They transform everyday loose tea and elevate, creating new flavours like Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur which won many Gold awards.

O’Hanlon’s Herbs

Founded by Tom O’Hanlon in Wicklow in 1988, O’Hanlon’s Herbs has spent 30 years growing fresh potted and cut herbs, including basil, parsley, chives, coriander, dill, mint, thyme, and sage. This long track record reflects deep horticultural expertise and consistency in a niche but essential category for the food industry.

Their extensive herb range makes them a valuable, one-stop supplier for kitchens and retailers needing reliable fresh herb sourcing. Three decades in the business speaks to resilience and strong relationships built across Ireland’s food supply chain.

Moving to 100%  recyclable packaging and being an Origin Green Certified Member shows the initiative at making the business more environmentally friendly in the long run. Previous success has been had by O’Hanlon’s Herbs with the “Best in County Wicklow” award in 2025 which shows the hard work they have put in has paid off.

O’Keeffe’s Bakery

Based in Cork, O’Keeffe’s Bakery blends traditional baking recipes with a modern bakery approach, honouring time-tested methods while staying relevant to contemporary tastes. Established in 1984 by Liam and Marie O’Keefe, the bakery’s ethos centres on quality and authenticity, offering customers baked goods rooted in heritage but produced with current standards of craft and consistency.

As part of Cork’s well-regarded artisan food scene, O’Keeffe’s represents the kind of small-scale bakery that has built loyal local support through consistency and genuine care in product-making, positioning it well for further brand development and wider distribution.

Interestingly O’Keefe’s bakery sources the majority of its ingredients from Ireland with an exception for the French flour that is imported in for their French baguettes. O’Keefe’s are also a B Corp certified bakery meaning that they are focusing on a positive impact for the environment, community and the people in general.

O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon

Founded by Pat and Mary O’Neill in Wexford in 2005, O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon produces an award-winning range spanning dry-cured bacon, sausages, and puddings. Their award recognition signals strong product quality and craftsmanship within Ireland’s traditional meat-curing sector.

Dry curing is a slower, more labour-intensive method than modern alternatives, and O’Neills’ commitment to it reflects a dedication to traditional technique and flavour depth. As a Wexford-based producer, the brand fits within Ireland’s strong regional meat-production heritage, offering an authentic option for retailers and consumers alike.

O’Neills has grown a long way since the inception in 2005 and from the numerous farmers markets to being in some of the finest food shops in Ireland.

Second Street Bakeshop (Cork)

Claire Keane, founder of Second Street Bakeshop in Carrigaline in Cork, first started cooking and selling her homemade caramel squares to fellow students in secondary school, as a means of raising funds for summer trips to visit the United States.

With a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Claire emigrated to the US in 1999, with the intention of pursuing a career in the environmental area. After growing disillusioned, however, by the poor response with which wider society was meeting the climate emergency, she found herself craving the creativity that comes from being in the kitchen.

Following a couple of years of fine-tuning her culinary skills, Claire set up an artisanal shortbread, caramel and chocolate company called Clairesquares in San Francisco in 2006. The success of the firm surprised even Claire, with Haagen-Dazs choosing to turn one of her cookies into a flavour of its world-famous ice cream in 2015.

Although Claire left San Francisco for her native Cork, her cookies still delight discerning Californians. This year at Blas Second Street Bakery won a Gold for its dairy-free mint chocolate brittle.

The Scullery (Tipperary)

Florrie Purcell started The Scullery, based in Nenagh in Tipperary, with a small saucepan and a big dream. That dream was to create a range of relishes, sauces, compotes and Christmas puddings that were high quality, delicious, natural and affordable. Fast-forward more than a decade and her dream has become a reality. Not only has she her own extensive range, which is entirely free from artificial additives and uses no GM ingredients, but she has also been entrusted by some of the world’s biggest names, including Lidl and Guinness, to develop and make new and exciting products for them. The Scullery has won many awards and accolades over the years, from Blas na hEireann to Great Taste Awards both in Ireland and in the UK.

Silver Hill Duck Company

Silver Hill Duck is a premium, fully integrated duck producer based in Emyvale, County Monaghan, Ireland. Established in 1962, the company controls every stage of production from breeding to packaging, using its own exclusive hybrid duck known for its tender, flavourful meat. Supplying to over 24 countries, including top Asian restaurants, Silver Hill is renowned for quality, sustainability, and innovation. Its award-winning products have made it a global leader in duck cuisine and culinary excellence.

Skellig Chocolates (Kerry)

 

Here, you’ll get to see traditional chocolate making as it occurs and taste the end result. This small establishment offers a great experience for the entire family.

Founded in 1996 and inspired by the environment on the south-western edge of Ireland, the business makes delicious bars, clusters, shards, truffles, boxed chocolates, bundles, hampers, hot chocolate and baked products.

Stonewell Cider (Cork)

Stonewell Cider, nestled in the scenic coastal village of Nohoval, County Cork, is renowned for its commitment to crafting premium Irish ciders of exceptional quality. Established by Daniel and Géraldine Emerson in 2009, Stonewell Cider has quickly earned a reputation for excellence in the artisanal cider-making industry. The Emersons’ passion for cider is evident in every aspect of their production process, which begins with hand-selected apples sourced exclusively from Irish orchards known for their superior quality and taste.

At Stonewell Cider, extreme attention is paid to every detail, from the orchard to the bottle. The apples are pressed in small batches to preserve their natural flavours, then fermented using traditional methods to achieve a balanced and distinctive taste profile. The result is a range of ciders that showcase the rich diversity of Irish apple varieties, from their crisp and refreshing Dry Cider to the smooth and aromatic Medium Dry and Medium Sweet options. Stonewell Cider also offers unique seasonal blends and limited editions, each reflecting the changing seasons and the creativity of their cider-making process.

In addition to their dedication to quality, Stonewell Cider places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. They actively promote biodiversity in their farmers’ orchards and employ eco-friendly practices throughout their production cycle. This commitment not only ensures the preservation of Ireland’s natural resources but also enhances the authentic flavours that define Stonewell Cider. With its picturesque location and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Stonewell Cider continues to set the standard for premium Irish ciders, delighting cider enthusiasts both locally and internationally with every sip.

Their awards include multiple Blas na hEireann, Cider World Gold, multiple Great Taste Awards, The International Cider Awards, Championship Winner and International Innovative Cider, Pommes d’Or and British Bottlers Institute Competition.

Sugar Plum Sweetery

Founded by Denise Buckley and David Quirke in Westmeath, Sugar Plum Sweetery has grown from a local sweet shop into a nationwide favourite, now operating two physical stores in Mullingar and Kildare Village alongside a thriving online presence.

The brand made headlines in 2025 as Ireland’s largest TikTok Shop, translating viral social content into genuine retail success. Their combination of playful branding, strong digital marketing instincts, and a product range that clearly resonates with younger audiences has positioned them as one of the standout Irish food-and-treats brands to watch, bridging traditional confectionery retail with modern e-commerce.

Riding the “Dubai Chocolate” craze, the brand saw over 900% sales growth in a single year and grew its team to around 100 employees with its third shop opening in Cork City. A new outlet is coming soon in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

Toons Bridge Dairy

Founded by Toby Simmonds in Cork, Toons Bridge Dairy is known for its cheese production alongside buffalo farming in West Cork – a distinctive combination within the Irish dairy landscape. Farming buffalo specifically for dairy is unusual in Ireland, giving Toons Bridge a genuinely differentiated product offering, particularly for mozzarella-style cheeses that rely on buffalo milk.

This niche specialisation, paired with West Cork’s strong artisan food reputation, positions Toons Bridge as an innovative and distinctive producer within Ireland’s expanding specialty cheese sector. They have a Mediterranean inspired product which makes them stand out in the dairy market in Ireland.

Treats by Silvia (Dublin)

Treats by Silvia is a boutique Irish bakery specialising in handcrafted cakes, pastries, and desserts for all occasions. Known for exquisite design and premium ingredients, Silvia creates custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, blending artistry with flavour. Customers can order online or visit the bakery to enjoy freshly baked goods. With a focus on quality and creativity, Treats by Silvia has become a go-to destination for elegant, delicious treats across Ireland.

Velo Coffee Roasters (Cork)

Velo Coffee Roasters, the Cork-based coffee connoisseurs, was established in 2017 by Rob Horgan and Suzanne Casey. Velo Coffee Roasters embarked on a mission to redefine the coffee experience, driven by a passion for exceptional quality and a commitment to responsible sourcing.

Velo Coffee Roasters’ unwavering dedication to sourcing specialty coffee beans through their partner Covoya ensures a direct line of traceability to the farm, fostering partnerships with farmers and supporting local projects. This commitment extends to their strong ethos of social and environmental responsibility, driving continuous innovation in packaging to minimise waste.

The Velo Tandem, recognised with multiple awards in prestigious competitions like Blas na hÉireann and Great Taste, remains a cherished favourite among consumers.

Discerning coffee buyers in Ireland will have noticed and most likely have indulged in Velo’s products in Aldi as well as Tesco and Dunnes Stores.  Late last year the business achieved the extraordinary milestone with the sale of their one millionth bag of coffee in ALDI.

Zanna Cookhouse (Wexford)

Zanna Cookhouse is a family-run artisan food producer based in Wexford, Ireland, specialising in handcrafted quiches and pies made with locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 2007 by Owen and Lorna Mullins, the business has grown from a home kitchen to a state-of-the-art facility while preserving its home-cooked flavours. With a focus on quality, tradition, and innovation, Zanna Cookhouse supplies award-winning products to retailers nationwide, including Tesco and SuperValu, and remains deeply rooted in its local community.

Research and writing by Mark Cullen and John Kennedy

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