Two local businesses named finalists in Irish Made Awards
Two local businesses have been named finalists in the prestigious Irish Made Awards 2023 in the Food and Drink categories respectively.
Sustainable food producer BiaSol which was founded by Ballykeeran natives Niamh and Ruairí Dooley was shortlisted in the Food category. The Irish Craft Soda company which is a sister company of Dead Centre Brewing in Athlone was announced as a finalist in the Drink category.
BiaSol upcycles brewers spent grain, a by-product of craft beer, into functional grains and baking mixes. These products are high in protein and fibre, full of calcium and B-Vitamins, iron, and zinc, and are locally made in Offaly. Wild Irish Forager’s & Preservers is a small family-run business deeply rooted in the heart of Ireland where they forage from the woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and boglands. They produce syrups, shrubs and preserves.
The annual awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate the best home-grown products in Ireland.
The Irish Made Awards finalists are all companies and brands producing and making products in Ireland. Public voting for finalists across the fourteen categories is now live on the Irish Country Magazine website.
The overall winner will receive a €20,000 prize to boost the business courtesy of Irish Country Magazine and sponsors Guaranteed Irish and Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.
In total, there are 116 finalists; 107 incredible Irish makers, with some nominated in more than one category. The full list of finalists can be found inside the new September|October issue of Irish Country Magazine and online here
The judges had a tough time in whittling down what was a record number of entries. Finalists range from exciting new businesses to respected heritage brands.
The winners will be announced at the Irish Made Awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster and co-host of Ireland AM, Muireann O’Connell, in the Kilashee Hotel and Spa in Co. Kildare on Thursday, October 5.
For 2023, the awards are highlighting the strength of Irish-made businesses when they support each other, with this year’s theme, Collaborate and Celebrate. Working together is a superpower and every year of the Irish Made Awards has seen businesses thrive when they support one another.