Food producers and artisans can now vie for a new top award recognising the best in Galway in the coveted Blas na hEireann awards this year.
The Local Enterprise Board has added its weight to the awards by creating a ‘Best in Galway’ and a ‘Best in Farmer’s Market Galway’ prize.
The two special awards will encourage local producers to enter the awards and also to highlight two that best tickle the tastebuds of this year’s judges.
Galway food artisans and producers have a fine reputation in the Blas na hEireann, having taken gold, silver and bronze medals last year.
Breda Fox of the Galway Local Enterprise Office is delighted to support this year’s Blas na hEireann Awards.
“We are committed to developing the food sector in Galway as it is hugely important to the local economy. Winning a Blas Award can have a major impact on businesses and give them the confidence they need to succeed.”
Producers such as Galway Goat Farm, Coffee Domain, Flemings, Galmere, Window to the Sea, Loughnanes, Galway Bay Seafoods, Bowl-a-Granola, Kylemore Abbey, Galway Roast, Breizon Teo and Foods of Athenry won medals last year for some of the best tasting products in the whole of Ireland, all made in Galway, with locally sourced ingredients.
The Blas Awards aim to recognise passionate, dedicated producers who create high-quality food and drinks and who are serious about marketing their products to markets at home and around the globe. Last year more than 2,000 products were blind tasted by a panel of 350 judges to arrive at the ‘best’.
Blas chairman Artie Clifford says winning at Blas means double digit growth for some producers.
“We know from research that not only is Blas the most widely recognised symbol among shoppers, but it also acts as a huge incentive for them to buy. It is their guarantee of top class quality.”
The deadline for entry into this year’s competition is June 17. The winning producers will be presented at an awards ceremony in Dingle on October 4. To enter click on www.irishfoodawards.com
