Innovative Donegal food and drink businesses are celebrating success 2021 Blas na hEireann Food Awards.
Ireland’s biggest competition for quality produce is now in its fourteen year, with products entered for judging from every county in the country.
This year’s winners were announced in a virtual ceremony on Saturday. Donegal-based winners were presented with their awards at a local event hosted by Local Enterprise Donegal, with Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise presenting the honours.
Atlantic Treasures scooped the title of Best in County for Donegal.
Grace Shields, representing Atlantic Treasures, receives the Blas Na hÉireann 2021 Best in Donegal award from Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise. The Best in Donegal Award was for the Atlantic Treasures Smoked Mackerel Glazed in Garlic, Herbs and Spices product. The same product also received a Gold Award. Photo by Joe Dunne 04/10/21
When it came to shellfish the crab claws from Errigal Bay, a Gaeltacht company fishing out of An Charraig in Co. Donegal won the bronze.
Green Pastures Donegal, Natural Dairies picked up Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.
The Shack Coffee won a Bronze Award for their Costa Rica Coffee.
Tom Lee, The Shack Coffee, receives his Blas Na hÉireann 2021 Bronze Award from Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise, for his Shack Coffee Costa Rica product. Photo by Joe Dunne 04/10/21
Love A Little Sauces picked up a Bronze Award in the Sweet Pantry category.
Susan McLaughlin, Love a Little, receives her Blas Na hÉireann 2021 Bronze Award from Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise, for her Love A Little Salted Caramel and Chocolate Sauce product. Photo by Joe Dunne 04/10/21
Donegal Rapeseed Oil received both Gold and Silver Awards this year.
Austin Duignan, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, receives his Blas Na hÉireann 2021 Gold and Silver Awards from Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise. The gold award was for the Specially Selected Cold Pressed Irish Rapeseed Oil 500ml product and the silver award was for the Donegal Rapeseed Oil with Hickory Smoke product. Photo by Joe Dunne 04/10/21
And Filligans of Donegal scooped Silver for their Grainy Yellow Mustard.
Grace Shields, representing Filligans Handmade Preserves, receives the Blas Na hÉireann 2021 Silver award from Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise. The Silver award was for the Filligans Handmade Preserves Grainy Yellow Mustard product. Photo by Joe Dunne 04/10/21
The Blas na hÉireann awards had a record entry level from producers right across the island this year.
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 title of Supreme Champion was awarded to Wexford company Wild About.
