9 Cavan producers win big at food Oscars

The bronze, silver and gold winners from Cavan were awarded across a range of different categories.

Blas na hÉireann have just announced the award winners for 2021, with nine winners from Co Cavan.

With the annual pilgrimage to Dingle stalled, this year’s winners tuned in for a second year running from every corner of the country for a virtual celebration of the very best in Irish food.

The bronze, silver and gold winners from Cavan were awarded across a range of different categories.

They include Aine Chocolates Ltd (Silver & Bronze); Carleton Cakes (Gold); Cullys Craft Bakery (Silver); Ice Cream Treats (Gold, Silver & Bronze); Lakeland Dairies (Gold, Silver, Bronze & Best in County, sponsored by Cavan County Council); Liffey Meats (Bronze); Manor Farm (Gold, Silver & Bronze); Terra Spirits & Liqueurs (Bronze); and Vanilla Bean Patisserie (Silver).

Chairperson Artie Clifford feels that now, more than ever, it is essential to shine a light and give that all important boost to the talented producers dotted around the island.

Now in their 14th year, the Blas na hÉireann awards are the all-island food awards that recognise the very best Irish food and drink products, and the passionate people behind them.

Products from every county in Ireland were entered into this year’s competition to win Gold, Silver or Bronze Blas na hÉireann awards in over 150 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.

Often dubbed the Oscars of Irish food, Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island, open to all 32 counties. The judging took place in Dingle during July this year and finalists were notified in August. The final Blas na hÉireann 2021 awards were announced virtually on October 2.

“These are the 14th annual Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Artie, “and despite the very challenging situation, I am delighted to report a record entry level from producers right across the island. This large increase in entries has raised the bar across all categories, allowing us to introduce new products and producers to the buyers and press with whom we work, which is really exciting. Congratulations to all the winners and to every producer who participated. It is always such a rewarding experience to see the wealth of exceptional foods being produced on the island of Ireland, and this has been the best year yet.”

Patricia Smith from Created in Cavan said she was delighted to celebrate the success of Cavan food and drink at this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards. “The ‘Created in Cavan’ brand provides consumer assurance that they are purchasing locally produced food & drink, for our producers, the addition of a Blas na hÉireann award to their product provides a seal of superior quality, celebrating the very best of Irish food & drink.  Congratulations to all the finalists.”