Blas na hÉireann 2025: The ultimate win for two very different Irish producers
The Blas na hÉireann Irish food awards returned to Dingle, Co Kerry, for a four‑day celebration of Ireland’s best producers. Open to entrants from all 32 counties, the festival culminates in the presentation of gold, silver and bronze awards, with one brand elevated to the prestigious Supreme Champion and another crowned Best Artisan Producer. This year, the spotlight shone on two very different suppliers who embody the country’s craft food heritage: a lockdown‑born chocolate company and a multi‑generational cheese producer.
Bon Chocolatiers: From lockdown idea to Supreme Champion
Offaly‑based Bon Chocolatiers, established in 2020 during lockdown, claimed the Supreme Champion 2025 title. The venture is the partnership of Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan, who met while training to become chefs and later honed their craft in renowned kitchens, including Campagne (Kilkenny) and Thyme (Athlone). Their approach blends patisserie sensibilities with luxury chocolate making, underpinned by ethically sourced ingredients from Europe and their own Ireland‑sourced dairy products.
Bon Chocolatiers source chocolate from France, Switzerland and Ghana, pairing it with Irish butter and cream and foraged local berries to create refined confections that balance elegance and boldness. Their distribution spans online sales, with a presence in Fallon & Byrne in Dublin and selected restaurants and hotels. The award comes as the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, adding a personal milestone to a year already marked by creative achievement.
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers: A blue‑rind legacy renewed by a new generation
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, best known for Cashel Blue, has been a fixture on the Irish cheesemaking map since 1984. The business is now run by the next generation—Sarah Furno and her husband Sergio Furno—continuing the family legacy with a broader range that highlights terroir and innovation. Alongside the iconic Cashel Blue, the lineup includes Shepherd’s Store, a sheep’s milk cheese, and Cashel Blue Organic, reflecting a commitment to sustainable, high‑quality dairy.
The Supreme Champion honour was conferred on a producer whose craft spans decades, underlining how traditional methods can evolve while preserving the distinctive character that first defined Cashel Blue. It’s a testament to a brand that began as a bold idea, long before the current generation took the reins, and has since expanded its reach without losing its identity.
What the judges and organisers say
Artie Clifford, chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, framed the wins as a microcosm of Irish food’s breadth. “Our Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer cover the full flavour spectrum—from the salty, savoury intensity of the famous blue cheese, now in the hands of a second generation, to the delicate, handmade sweetness of artistic chocolates created by a young couple embarking on their business journey,” he explained. He noted that the Grubbs’ Cashel Blue was a transformative product 41 years ago, while Bon Chocolatiers represent the fresh, ambitious energy of a new generation breaking into confectionery craftsmanship. The pairing of these winners demonstrates how Ireland’s artisanal scene blends heritage with modern creativity, inspiring producers at every stage of their own journeys.
Why Blas na hÉireann matters for Irish food
Blas na hÉireann stands as the centerpiece of a four‑day festival celebrating the best of Irish food and drink. With entries from all 32 counties, the awards highlight the country’s diverse producers—from small, family‑run outfits to newer ventures reshaping classic products. For Bon Chocolatiers and Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, the wins offer a national platform to reach discerning retailers and diners while underscoring the enduring appeal of Irish ingredients and craftsmanship. As Ireland’s culinary scene continues to evolve, this year’s results celebrate both the proven appeal of traditional cheese and the rising influence of small‑batch chocolate artistry.
Looking ahead
For Bon Chocolatiers and Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, the 2025 accolades are both a reward and a springboard. Expect continued collaboration with chefs and retailers, expanded product lines, and a growing audience of lovers of high‑quality, ethically produced foods across Ireland and beyond.
