In a year like no other, Blas na hÉireann have just announced the award winners for 2021, with eight winners from County Mayo.
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 team at Blas na hÉireann has been working tirelessly since March to ensure that Blas 2021 went ahead, sustaining their commitment to celebrating the very best in Irish food and drink. 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.
Head of Enterprise, LEO Mayo, John Magee said: "Congratulations to all of the businesses recognised through these Blas na hÉireann awards, and to Village Farm awarded Best in County. All of these businesses are testament to the high quality, vibrant producers we have throughout the county showcasing the best of what Mayo has to offer through the wide range of products considered for these awards."
"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."
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.
The biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.
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.
The bronze, silver and gold winners from Mayo across a range of different categories are: (1 ) Cácaí Acla, (2 ) Cake my Day, (3 ) CPAC Foods, (4 ) Kelly's of Newport (Artisan Butchers ) Ltd, (5 ) Marlene's Chocolate Haven Ltd, (6 ) Moylurg Honey, (7 ) O'Haras Bakery and (8 ) Village Farm – Best in County, supported by LEO Mayo.
