Blas na hÉireann 2025: Winners, festival and impact
Blas na hÉireann, the Irish food awards, have unveiled the winners of the 2025 edition after a four-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink, held in Dingle, County Kerry, from 2 to 5 October. Now in its 18th year, the festival is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, drawing food lovers, event professionals and industry insiders to one of Ireland’s most vibrant gastronomy events.
The Blas awards are the country’s largest blind tasting, with judges drawn from across the culinary world including chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, food champions, caterers and keen home cooks. In a two-month judging period, more than 3,000 entries were evaluated in over 180 categories, with products representing every county competing for bronze, silver or gold.
Two awards stand out for their prestige and impact: the Supreme Champion, sponsored by Bord Bia, and Best Artisan Producer, supported by the LEO Network. These are the moments that help small Irish producers reach new markets and elevate the profile of Ireland’s artisanal food sector.
Supreme Champion: Bon Chocolatiers
After fierce deliberation, Bon Chocolatiers from Tullamore, Co Offaly, were crowned Supreme Champion. The husband-and-wife team, Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan, both trained in Michelin-starred kitchens and under renowned pastry chefs, launched Bon Chocolatiers in Athlone during the 2020 lockdown. Their business has quickly earned recognition for edible works of art, crafted from ethically sourced French, Swiss and Ghanaian chocolate, paired with Irish butter and cream, foraged local berries, Wicklow mint and Oriel sea salt. The couple’s dedication to harnessing the best ingredients has translated into a standout range that won them the top prize in a year when the competition was fierce.
A Blas na hÉireann spokesperson notes that the Supreme Champion title reflects the full spectrum of flavors and craftsmanship in Ireland’s chocolate scene, from luxurious, savoury notes to delicate sweetness. Bon Chocolatiers exemplify the ambition and talent in Ireland’s confectionery landscape.
Best Artisan Producer: Cashel Blue
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, whose Cashel Blue has become a familiar fixture on Irish cheeseboards, was recognized as Best Artisan Producer. First produced in 1984 by Louis and Jane Grubb, the cheese remains in the family’s care into a new generation. In 2004, Louis and Jane’s daughter Sarah and her husband Sergio Furno joined the operation to mature the cheese and are now co-owners, ensuring the Beechmount Farm enterprise remains in the family for the next generation of cheesemakers. The 200-acre farm in County Tipperary continues to produce a farmhouse cheese that truly represents the outstanding quality of Tipperary grass-fed milk.
Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford notes that the pairing of a Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer celebrates Ireland’s full flavour spectrum, from the iconic blue cheese to the handmade chocolates that mark the new wave of Irish food entrepreneurship.
What these wins mean for Ireland’s food landscape
The awards season underscores the breadth and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. By spotlighting both a long-standing favourite like Cashel Blue and a new wave chocolatier such as Bon Chocolatiers, Blas na hÉireann demonstrates how craft and tradition can co-exist with modern, globally minded gastronomy. For consumers, the results provide a tasting map of regional pride, inviting people to seek out the winning products at retailers and markets across the country. For producers, the recognition offers increased visibility, retail opportunities and a platform to expand export potential in a crowded, competitive market.
The four-day event in Dingle has become a magnet for producers, buyers, media and food lovers, with tasting sessions, chef demos and industry talks that help share best practices and inspire future collaborations.
