The winners of the 2023 Blas na hÉireann Irish food awards have been announced.
Often called the "Irish food Oscars", each year the Blas na hÉireann awards highlight the best of Irish produce with a series of bronze, silver and gold awards, and this year's crop of winners are no different.
Now in its 16th year, the competition saw the highest number of entries with almost 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time.
Products from every county in Ireland were entered in over 150 food and drink categories, with the winners announced following a three-day celebration of Irish produce taking place in Dingle.
So, without further ado, this year's top awards of Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer went to...
Supreme Champion: Morelli Ice Cream
A previous finalist and gold medal winner at Blas na hÉireann awards for their sensational ice creams, frozen yoghurts and sorbets, Morelli Ice Cream has been named Supreme Champion for their Morelli’s Mango Sorbet.
Based in Derry, but with generational ties to Italy, the Morelli name is famous when it comes to ice-cream, but they have branched out for their award-winning dessert by creating a sorbet that uses real mango puree and no dairy or lactose products.
Speaking on the win, Arnaldo Morelli, MD at Morelli Ice Cream, said:
"Our grandparents and parents would be ecstatic and we are all very proud to carry on their legacy. Our focus is on quality ingredients and great tasting ice-cream and there really is no better award than this among Irish food and drink producers so to be crowned Supreme Champion is the cherry on top of our Mango Sorbet!"
Best Artisan Producer: Miena's Nougat
A producer of handmade nougats used with the freshest ingredients they can source, Miena started making nougat in 2012 at her Wicklow home. 10 years later, she is still making nougat in a small production unit right next to her original base.
Miena and her small team are constantly experimenting with new flavours and ingredients, using the very best of what is around them in the Garden of Ireland with a keen focus on sustainability.
"After ten years dedicating my career to something I am so passionate about, it is an honour to be awarded Best Artisan Producer at the 2023 Blas na hÉireann awards." said Miena Rust, founder of Miena's Nougat.
Read the full list of winners here.
