The best of Irish food has been celebrated in the Irish Food Writers' Guild Food Awards, with some of the country's best ice cream, cheese and beef highlighted.
Now in its 32nd year, the awards celebrate Irish food producers based on quality, integrity, and a commitment to genuine sustainable practices, with eight winners receiving an award at the ceremony, held in Dublin's ANANDA Restaurant.
Murphy's Ice Cream, Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur from Mourne Dew Distillery, Cashel Blue Cheese and the Irish Seed Savers Association were among the winners at this year's ceremony.
The awards are unique among other food awards as there is no submission process and brands don't know that they've neen nominated. The Guild is the sole nominating and decision-making body whose members nominate and anonymously buy products for tasting.
Locality is central to the awards as winning products must be produced in Ireland and the main ingredient must be Irish grown or produced.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Paula McIntyre, chair of the Irish Food Writers' Guild, said: "Greenwashing has infiltrated the food and drinks sector in ways many of us don't even realise and when sustainability is merely used as a marketing tactic, consumers are misled and the credibility and reputation of true sustainable producers is undermined."
Read the full list of winners below:
Food Award: Sneem Black Pudding – Peter O' Sullivan Butchers, Co. Kerry. O'Sullivan's Butchers were praised for their traditional blood sausage, which is crafted in small batches using locally sourced ingredients including fresh blood and a recipe passed down through generations. The result is a smooth, mousse-like texture and a rich, earthy flavour with subtle seasoning and exceptional provenance.
Food Award: Murphy’s Ice Cream, Co. Kerry. Renowned for their unique take on local flavours such as sea salt, brown bread and Dingle gin, Murphy's Ice Cream uses milk from the Kerry Cow and ingredients sourced from nearby farms, creating indulgent, high-quality treats that celebrate the best of Co Kerry.
Food Award: 40 day aged Côte de boeuf - Higgins Family Butcher, Co. Dublin. Known for their dry-aged expertise, Higgins Family Butchers’ 40 day aged Côte de boeuf is a standout, aged to enhance its rich, tender flavour and exceptional texture, making it a must-try for meat lovers and a signature offering in their acclaimed range.
Irish Drink Award: Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur - Mourne Dew Distillery, Co. Down. This indulgent Poitín Liqueur combines rich, nutty flavors with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and cream, offering a smooth, innovative twist on traditional poitín.
Notable Contribution to Irish Food: Moy Hill Farm, Co. Clare. Moy Hill is a vibrant regenerative farm that blends sustainability and community spirit. The farm nurtures nutrient-dense organic produce while promoting biodiversity and teaching future generations the art of holistic farming.
Environmental Award: Master Chefs Ellan Farm, Co. Limerick. A pioneering initiative by Master Chefs, this organic farm blends sustainability and zero-waste practices to supply high-quality, locally grown food to Ireland's catering industry. Their farm-to-table-back-to-farm approach sets a new standard in ethical, community-focused food production.
Community Food Award: Irish Seed Savers Association, Co. Clare. A beacon of sustainable agriculture, Irish Seed Savers works tirelessly to conserve Ireland’s food crop heritage, ensuring the protection of genetic diversity in our food systems. Their efforts to safeguard plant genetic resources are crucial to the future of food security and biodiversity.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jane and Louis Grubb of Cashel Blue, Co. Tipperary. In 1984 Jane and Louis Grubb introduced Cashel Blue, Ireland’s first native blue cheese, made with milk from their family farm. Their legacy continues, blending tradition with innovation, producing award-winning cheeses like Cashel Blue, Crozier Blue, and Shepherd’s Store. Their dedication to quality has made them a cornerstone of Ireland’s cheesemaking industry.
