Three local businesses win Blas na hÉireann awards
Three local businesses have been recognised for their success in the Irish food and drink industry.
Bon Chocolatiers in Athlone which create artisan chocolates, Do Me a Flavour in Monksland which create aromatic herb and spice mixes and marinades and Oliver Carty Pork & Bacon in Monksland all received awards at the Blas na hÉireann 2023 awards ceremony last weekend.
Speaking as the winners were announced, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford said: “We are thrilled to see such deserving winners and finalists again this year at Blas na hÉireann 2023. Looking back on 16 years of Blas, it’s fantastic to see the standard of food and drink in Ireland go from strength-to-strength year on year. It’s a real privilege for myself and the whole Blas family to bring these products, and the amazing producers who make them, to a much wider audience.”
"Congratulations to Georgia and Daniel of Bon Chocolatiers who create handmade artisan chocolates in Athlone.” said Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise, LEO Westmeath. “Truly delicious chocolates and who were awarded Best in County.
“Roscommon County Council/Local Enterprise Office are delighted with this year’s Blas na hÉireann’s winner, Do Me A Flavour, who takes the title “Best in Roscommon”’ said Head of Enterprise Louise Ward, “An award worthy of this wonderful food producer. Huge congratulations and we are delighted to be associated with the awards 2023.”
Now in its 16th year, Blas na hÉireann saw the highest number of entries with almost 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 150 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. As the competition ramps up year on year, securing that Blas badge is a huge achievement and means those producers who are short listed as finalists and the final winners really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.
Blas na hÉireann 2023, the three-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink took place in Dingle from Thursday, September 28 to Saturday, September 30.