Famous five from Laois in food Oscars finals
Mueller & O'Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix is among the finalists for the national food Oscars
A FAMOUS five food producers from Laois have made it through to the final stages of Blas na hÉireann, popularly known as the national food ‘Oscars’.
The finalists shortlisted for the 2025 Irish Food Awards are Aghaboe Farm Foods, G's Gourmet Jams in Abbeyleix, Mueller & O'Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix, Zephyr Yard marshmallows based in Abbeyleix and The Village Dairy in Killeshin.
Following the announcement at the weekend, Evelyn Reddin, head of Enterprise at the Laois Local Enterprise Office (LEO), paid tribute all the local food producers involved in the demanding contest and congratulated the worthy finalists.
She said: “We are incredibly proud to see five outstanding Laois food producers shortlisted as finalists in the upcoming Blas na hÉireann Awards.
“This recognition is a testament to their hard work, innovation and the exceptional quality of food being produced right here in our county.
“These businesses not only represent the best of Laois, but they also showcase the strength and potential of our local food sector on a national stage. We wish them every success in the final.”
The countdown is officially on for the return to Dingle for the national competition this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October, with attractions that include the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards ceremony.
The Laois producers are among 15 finalists from the midlands who will compete for a slice of sweet success in Dingle. The winners will be announced on 3 October.
The 18th annual contest has no fewer than 190 different categories. Over 3,000 entries were received this year, with blind-taste judging carried out over the course of May, June and July.
Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards such as Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.
Chairperson and founder of Blas na hÉireann Artie Clifford said: “Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of. The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are shortlisted as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.”
