Two Irish maestros claim the top prizes at Blas na hÉireann
Two emblematic Irish producers have swept the top honours at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish food awards in Dingle, marking a landmark moment for both a lockdown chocolate business and a long-running cheese producer. Bon Chocolatiers of Offaly earned the coveted Supreme Champion 2025 title, while Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers from Tipperary was named Best Artisan Producer, underscoring the diversity and quality of Ireland’s artisan food scene.
Bon Chocolatiers: from lockdown project to Supreme Champion
Bon Chocolatiers emerged from a shared passion for patisserie and chocolate by founders Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan. The couple, who met while training as chefs, have moved through the kitchens of renowned venues, including Campagne in Kilkenny and Thyme in Athlone, before forging a collaboration that blends luxury design with ethical sourcing. Their chocolates rely on ingredients from friends in the industry and partners around the world, including ethically sourced French, Swiss and Ghanaian chocolate, plus Irish butter and cream and foraged local berries. Their products are available online and in boutiques such as Fallon & Byrne, with a growing presence in select restaurants and hotels. The win comes as Quealy and Linehan celebrate a personal milestone—the recent arrival of their first child—adding a poignant note to a year of professional achievement.
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers: Best Artisan Producer
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers has been a fixture on the Irish cheesemaking map since Louis and Jane Grubb launched the iconic Cashel Blue in 1984. Today the business is run by the next generation, with Sarah Furno and her husband Sergio Furno steering the ship and expanding the range beyond the classic blue. The lineup now includes terroir-infused cheeses such as Shepherd’s Store, a sheep’s milk cheese, and Cashel Blue Organic, reflecting a continuing commitment to provenance and flavour that has defined the brand for four decades.
About Blas na hÉireann and the Dingle celebration
The Blas na hÉireann awards sit at the heart of a four-day celebration of Irish food and drink held each year in Dingle, Co Kerry. Open to producers from all 32 counties, the competition culminates in gold, silver and bronze awards that are among the most highly regarded in the Irish food industry. This year’s Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer selections highlight the breadth of Irish craft—from the salty, storied blue cheeses of Cashel to the delicate, handmade chocolates of Bon Chocolatiers.
What the judges’ verdict signals for Ireland’s food future
Artie Clifford, chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, noted that the winners showcase the full spectrum of Irish food—from the long-established, deeply rooted Cashel Blue to the new, adventurous chocolates crafted by a young couple starting their business journey. He highlighted how Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers represents a successful transition across generations, while Bon Chocolatiers embodies contemporary entrepreneurship and culinary innovation. The juxtaposition of these two winners reflects the event’s broader message: Ireland’s food scene thrives on both heritage and experimentation, nurturing producers at every stage of their journey.
Looking ahead for Ireland’s craft food scene
The triumphs at Blas na hÉireann not only bring deserved recognition but also provide a platform for increased visibility across markets, both at home and abroad. As Bon Chocolatiers continue to refine their craft and Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers broadens its terroir-driven portfolio, Irish audiences can expect a wave of new ideas, partnerships and flavors rooted in place, history and craft.
