Kildare finalists named for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026
Eight Kildare producers have made it to the finals this year
The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026, have been announced, with eight exceptional producers from Co. Kildare making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.
The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday October 1 to Sunday October 4, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves will be announced on Friday October 2.
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 the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.
The finalists shortlisted from Co. Kildare across a wide range of categories are: Bergin Fine Foods, Birds Eye Ireland, Coghlans Bakery Products Ltd, Couverture Desserts Ltd, Fully Free Ireland, Graze Dairy, O'Brien Fine Foods and Rye River.
"We are delighted to see such a strong representation from County Kildare among the finalists in the 2026 Blas na hÉireann Awards." said Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise Kildare LEO.
“On behalf of the Flavours of Kildare Innovation Hub, the Flavours of Kildare network and the Kildare Local Enterprise Office, I would like to congratulate Bergin Fine Foods, Birds Eye Ireland, Coghlans Bakery Products Ltd, Couverture Desserts Ltd, Fully Free Ireland, Graze Dairy, O'Brien Fine Foods and Rye River on reaching the finalist stage. We wish them every success in the final judging and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the wider Kildare food and drink community.”
This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2026 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country.
With producer education and growth at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its community support for producers and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
Continuing this focus on education and collaboration, The Backyard at Blas, supported by Bank of Ireland, will return this year as an integral part of the Blas experience. Bringing together inspiring speakers and fellow producers, it offers a dedicated space for learning and networking.
Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make Irish food so special.