Eight tasty Laois businesses make the final of Blas na hÉireann awards
From yummy jam and bread to wholesome milk and a dash of spirits, a tasty hamper of Laois businesses have made it to the final of the prestigious national food and drink awards.
Bakers, jam makers, distillers and milk producers are amongst eight Laois food and drink businesses to make the cut in the 2026 Blas na hÉireann awards.
The Laois finalists, many of them previous award winners: are Abbey Farm Foods / G’s Gourmet Jams Ltd, Aghaboe Farm Foods, Ballyrider House Granola, First Ireland Spirits, Mueller O’Connell Bakery, Temptation Chocolates Boutique, The Village Dairy and Zephyr Yard.
They are congratulated by Lisa Molloy, Head of Enterprise, LEO Laois.
“We are incredibly proud to see Laois businesses recognised among the finalists in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards.
“These producers represent the very best of Irish food and drink, combining quality, innovation, and a strong commitment to their craft. Their success reflects the strength and ambition of the food sector in Laois and reinforces the county’s growing reputation as a hub for exceptional food production.
“On behalf of Local Enterprise Office Laois, I would like to congratulate all finalists and wish them every success in the awards,” Ms Molloy said.
The final returns to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday to Sunday, October 1 to 4, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves announced on Friday, October 2.
Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island of Ireland, open to all 32 counties.
Last year, G's Gourmet Jams won a top prize for the Cranberry and Orange Sauce.
Zephyr Yard who make tasty sweet treats in Abbeyleix, was awarded Best in County.
Another Abbeyleix business Mueller & O'Connell Bakery received a gold, silver and bronze award.
The Village Dairy won silver and bronze and Aghaboe Farm Foods received a silver award.
Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The number of food and drink categories has also 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, supported by Bord Bia and Best Artisan Producer, supported by the LEO Network.
The judging, which took place over June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage.