Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2023

This is our call to all of ENSO’s fantastic Food & Drink clients that the entries for Blas na hÉireann 2023 will close on 17^th May.

Last year, following a two-year hiatus from an in-person event, the much-anticipated return to Dingle was a moment of magic as friends, colleagues, producers and makers finally got together again to celebrate, and the excitement for this September is already building. 

What is Blas na hÉireann?

Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink.

“Being back together in person again last year reminded us all how important these awards are on so many levels,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairman, Artie Clifford, “creating a sense of community and support, as well as a feeling of pride and ownership in that community. The judges were blown away by the quality of the produce last year and the winners and finalists were genuinely so happy to be back in a room together again, celebrating their own wins and each other’s successes. I am looking forward as ever to seeing what this year has to bring, as well as discovering new products we haven’t seen before. We were particularly thrilled last year with the new addition of the Blas Village and Eat Ireland experience which we are bringing back again this year.”

This is the 16th year of Blas na hÉireann and last year saw a huge increase in entries to over 3,000, the highest on record, with many producers entering the awards for the first time. Together with the Food Science Dept of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, the team at Blas worked to develop a blind-tasting judging system that is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. 

Why should your business enter?

Winners are always the best Blas ambassadors, something to which over a decade’s worth of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won a Blas award and proudly put the winner’s sticker on their product can attest.

Research has shown that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the award logo on products encourages shoppers to buy – it is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.

How to enter the awards?

The last day to enter for Blas na hÉireann 2023 is 17^th May, entry fee is €90 per entry (ex VAT). 

Learn more at www.irishfoodawards.com.