Kildare County Council Encourages Local Food Producers to Enter Blas na hÉireann 2026 and showcase Kildare on a National Stage
Kildare County Council is encouraging food and drink producers across the county to enter Blas na hEíreann 2026, the Irish Food Awards, and take the opportunity to showcase the very best of Kildare produce on a national stage.
Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has become the leading competition for quality Irish food and drink, recognizing excellence, innovation and craftmanship from producers across the island of Ireland. The awards provide an important platform for businesses to gain recognition, build profile and connect with customers, buyers and industry leaders.
Each year, the awards culminate in a high profile celebration in Dingle, where the Blas Village brings together producers from every county in Ireland. The event offers finalists and winners a valuable opportunity to present their products, expand their networks and raise awareness of their brand among consumers and key industry contacts.
The competition continues to grow in scale and significance. In 2025, more than 3,000 products were entered, including a strong number of first-time producers, While the number of food and drink categories has increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. The judging process, carried out in partnership with UCC, represents the largest blind tasting on the island of Ireland, taking place throughout June and July and ensuring a rigorous, independent assessment of every entry.
Kildare County Council recognises the strength and ambition of the county’s food and drink sector and the important role local producers play in supporting enterprise, innovation and regional identity. Participation in Blas na hÉireann offers producers not only the chance to win awards, but also an opportunity to join a respected national network, gain industry recognition and open doors to new retail, hospitality and export opportunities.
“Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of,” says Artie Clifford, Chairperson and founder of Blas na hÉireann. “The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short-listed as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.”
“Kildare continues to grow its reputation as a hub for high-quality, innovative food and drink producers. The continued participation of our LEO-supported businesses in Blas na hÉireann highlights both their ambition and the strength of the sector locally. We are proud to support them on this journey and look forward to seeing their success in 2026
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Kildare County Council said; “For producers in Kildare, participation offers more than the chance to win an award; it is an opportunity to join a national network of like-minded food makers, gain industry recognition and build new connections that can support long-term growth. Many past finalists credit Blas na hÉireann with opening doors to new markets, retail partnerships and export opportunities..”
Entries are now open at www.irishfoodawards.com. The final deadline for submissions is Thursday May 14th. Finalists will be announced in mid-August, with the Blas na hÉireann awards presented on October 2nd as part of the Blas Village celebrations in Dingle from October 1st to 4th.
Blas na hÉireann remains a key l platform for recognising the quality and creativity of Irish food producers and makers are invited to put their products forward and be part of Ireland’s largest celebration of food and drink.
