Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, have announced the finalists for 2025 with another strong year for producers from County Laois.
Five exceptional Laois producers have made it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards, which return to Dingle, County Kerry, this autumn
The fantastic five, each shortlisted across a wide range of categories, are as follows:
- Aghaboe Farm Foods, Pike of Rushall.
- G’s Gourmet Jams, Ballypickas.
- Mueller and O’Connell Bakery, Abbeyleix.
- The Village Dairy, Killeshin.
- Zephyr Yard, Abbeyleix.
Blas na hÉireann will celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink from Thursday, October 2, to Sunday, October 5, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day Market, and of course the awards ceremony itself.
Now in its 18th 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 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.
The judging is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders.
With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
“We are incredibly proud to see five outstanding Laois food producers shortlisted as finalists in the upcoming Blas na hÉireann Awards.” said Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Laois.
“This recognition is a testament to their hard work, innovation, and the exceptional quality of food being produced right here in our county.
“These businesses not only represent the best of Laois, but they also showcase the strength and potential of our local food sector on a national stage. We wish them every success in the final.”
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