Some of Ireland’s most exceptional food producers were honoured at the 2024 Euro-Toques Food Awards, held at Airfield Estate, Dublin, on September 23, with Galway’s own McGeough’s Butchers coming first in the Farm category.
McGeough’s were awarded for their superb charcuterie meats and mastery of traditional methods, creating products that capture the unique flavours and character of the Irish landscape.
Since 1996, the Euro-Toques Food Awards have annually recognised and celebrated the finest food produced across Ireland. The event provides a unique platform for chefs to acknowledge and commend the dedication and craft of small artisan producers.
Hosted by renowned food writer and author Caroline Hennessy, the ceremony saw the presentation of six awards by Euro-Toques Ireland across the categories of Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Craft.
This year’s award winners: McGeough's Butchers won in the Farm category. Rossmore Oysters (Cork ) won in the water category, The Apple Farm (Tipperary ) won in Land category, with Coolattin Cheddar (Wicklow ) winning in Dairy, BKultured (Cork ) in Artisian Produce and Blackwater Distillary (Waterford ) in Craft.
Following the awards, a wonderful garden feast brought together 100 chefs and producers for a celebration of Irish food. Over 30 producers’ offerings were showcased on a beautifully presented communal Harvest Table. This event, curated by the Euro-Toques Food Council to spotlight some of the finest produce Ireland has to offer, featured winners, nominees, and Euro-Toques members.
This year’s awards underscore a shared commitment to sustainable and traditional food production practices. Each category honours producers who excel in preserving and promoting the natural environment, heritage, and traditional methods within their specific domains—whether in aquaculture, agriculture, charcuterie, dairy, or artisan products. The emphasis is on the importance of environmental stewardship and the revival of traditional crafts, all of which contribute to maintaining and enhancing Ireland's culinary heritage.
Chef Conor Halpenny, Head of the Euro-Toques Food Council, emphasised the vital role of small artisan producers in shaping Ireland's culinary landscape. He stated, “Our mission is more than just celebrating excellence—it’s about raising awareness of the incredible work being done by small producers who are the backbone of our food culture. These are the people who commit to local, seasonal produce, ensuring that what we eat is grown, farmed, and crafted with care here in Ireland. The sense of community that brings chefs and producers together is at the heart of Euro-Toques. It’s about building a sustainable future where the dedication of our artisans is recognised, their traditions preserved, and their innovations embraced. Together, we’re creating a culinary landscape that honours the past while inspiring the future.”
