The three-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink demonstrated how Irish artisan foods represent the pinnacle of excellence.
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year from across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year.
During the judging, which took place over June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.
“After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry”
Rívesci was crowned as Supreme Champion for their Smoked Chilli Oil and Valentia Island Vermouth was announced as Best Artisan Producer.
Killadoon Milk from Kildare which won ‘Best Start Up’, among a variety of accolades including Gold for Whole Milk, Best in Kildare and Best in Leinster.
The full list of winners can be accessed here
Speaking as the winners were announced, Blas na hÉireann founder and chair Artie Clifford said: “We are once again delighted to celebrate such deserving winners at Blas na hÉireann 2024. After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry. Every year the standard is raised even higher and it’s an honour for myself and the entire Blas team to showcase these exceptional products and the dedicated producers behind them to a national audience.”
Celebrating Irish food
The awards took place last week between 3 October and 5 October in Dingle, Co Kerry.
Rívesci was crowned as Supreme Champion for their Smoked Chilli Oil and Valentia Island Vermouth was announced as Best Artisan Producer.
A previous finalist and gold medal winner at the Blas na hÉireann awards Rívesci started as a food truck offering cooked from scratch dishes from their vintage 1976 caravan before lockdown forced the company to pivot their business into full-time condiment makers.
Based in County Tipperary and founded by Shannon Forrest and Michelin-trained chef Declan Malone, the duo pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients to create products.
Specialising in small-batch, hand-crafted condiments Rívesci has made a name for itself with its vibrant and flavourful relishes and sauces that elevate everyday meals. Since its launch, Rívesci has gained a loyal following for its high-quality offerings and has become a shining example of Tipperary’s growing artisan food scene.
Speaking after the announcement, Declan Malone of Rívesci said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to be named Supreme Champion at the Irish Food Awards. This recognition means the world to us and is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication we pour into all our products.”
Shannon Forrest of Rívesci added: “To be acknowledged among so many talented producers across Ireland is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud to represent the very best of Irish food and drink.”
Valentia Island Vermouth is a craft vermouth company founded by Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll on Valentia Island, off the coast of County Kerry. Inspired by the island’s unique flora, fauna and natural beauty, the wife and wife team set out to create Ireland’s first vermouth.
Orla, whose father was a beekeeper from Co Kerry, visited Valentia as a child, and it was there she learnt about the local plants and making of vermouth through her father’s knowledge. Valentia Island Vermouth uses foraged herbs, flowers and fruits from the island’s rich landscape to craft a distinctive, artisanal product that reflects the essence of its surroundings.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named Best Artisan Producer at Blas,” said Anna Snook O’Carroll. “This is such an incredible honour for us both and our vermouth, we love being part of the Blas na hÉireann family and celebrating each year in Dingle with our peers so to take home the Best Artisan award is a dream come true. We take immense pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create Valentia Island Vermouth so to be recognised alongside so many outstanding producers is a huge achievement for us.”
Main image at top: Shannon Forrest and Declan Malone, founders of Tipperary-based Rívesci which was crowned as Supreme Champion for its Smoked Chilli Oil. Photo: Allen Kiely Photography
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