Five Westmeath producers make Blas na hÉireann shortlist

The finalists for the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2022 have been announced and they include five Westmeath producers.

The quintet of local finalists include former winners, Mr Crumb, the artisan food producer based in Finea and An Olivia Chocolates, the master chocolatier from Monilea.

The other local finalists are Luna Ventures (TA Killua Castle), Praline Chocolatiers from Athlone and Rogans Smokehouse in Rathowen.

The largest food awards in Ireland will take place over three days starting on Thursday September 29 until Saturday October 1 in the seaside town of Dingle in Kerry.

Now in its 15th year, the festival will return after a two year break and will see over 3,000 quality Irish food producers battle for gold, silver and bronze awards in a range of food and drink categories.

Christine Charlton, the head of enterprise at LEO Westmeath congratulated the local finalists for making the shortlist this year.

“The Local Enterprise Office Westmeath is delighted to once again be working with Blas na hÉireann to award the best of Westmeath food producers," she said.

This year’s Blas na hÉireann event will see several new additions including the Eat Ireland in a Day tent and the Blas Village where the 2022 finalists will get to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers.

The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short listed as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.

Blas na hÉireann chairperson, Artie Clifford said: “Whether you’re a food lover in search of new tastes, a buyer looking for a trailblazing new product or a writer looking for a great story – Blas 2022 has it all.

“We’re ready for our plans to be reality very soon and to be able to celebrate our amazing finalists and uncover the best of Irish food and drink for 2022.”