Red Rooster awarded 'Best in County' at finals of Blas na hÉireann
Red Rooster, sponsored by Westmeath Local Enterprise Office, was awarded Best in County at the finals of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, in Dingle, yesterday, Friday 2 October.
Five producers from Westmeath had been shortlisted a wide range of categories, and four of those brought home Blas awards.
The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county are: Quality Irish Food T/A Mr Crumb, Red Rooster Coffee, Sugar Plum Sweetery and The Irish Craft Soda Co.
Christine Charlton, head of Enterprise at Westmeath LEO, said: “Congratulations to the five Westmeath producers shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards: Greene's Free Range Eggs, Quality Irish Food T/A Mr Crumb, Red Rooster Coffee, Sugar Plum Sweetery, and The Irish Craft Soda Co.
“Being named a finalist in Ireland’s most prestigious food awards is a remarkable achievement and reflects the exceptional quality and commitment that these businesses bring to their products every day.
“With more than 3,000 entries from across the island, reaching the final stage is a testament to the strength and excellence of Westmeath’s thriving food and drink sector. This year, Red Rooster Coffee has been named Best in Westmeath. An outstanding achievement for a new business. Well done.”
This year’s finalists and winners have the opportunity to bring their products to life at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both returning to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions, supported by Bank of Ireland.
Across the weekend, producers connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers and passionate food lovers, while celebrating the people, creativity and craft at the heart of Ireland’s thriving food and drink scene.
Artie Clifford, chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said the standard of entries continues to climb, as producers demonstrate creativity and a real commitment to quality.
“It’s particularly special to see producers from across the country come together in Dingle to share their stories, celebrate their successes and champion the best of Irish food and drink.
“Next year we will celebrate 20 years of the awards and it’s incredible to see just how far we’ve come in those two decades.”
The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend began on Thursday and closes tomorrow Sunday. Sustainability remains a focus, as the event continues to build on its waste-free commitments and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
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