Waterford tastes victory as eight local producers scoop national awards at Blas na hÉireann

Waterford's finest food and drink producers have done the Déise proud after taking home eight awards at this year's Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards.

Now in its 18th year, the prestigious event in Dingle celebrates the best of Irish produce, with nine Waterford businesses shortlisted across multiple categories and eight of them taking home awards.

Among the Waterford winners were Blackwater Distillery, Cocoa by Judit, Coffee House Lane, Dawn Meats, Irish Country Meats, Irish Gourmet Butter, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese and Sophie's Taste Creations, which was also named Best in County, sponsored by Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

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John Sheehy, Blas na hÉireann, Zsofia Turmezei, of Sophie’s Creations, and family, with sponsor Colin Lavery of Andrew’s Ingredients. Photo: Andrew Watchorn

Head of Enterprise at Waterford LEO, Gareth Evans, praised Sophie's achievement.

"On behalf of Local Enterprise Office Waterford and everyone across the county, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Sophie's Taste Creations for winning the prestigious Blas na hÉireann 'Best in County' award," Evans said.

"This remarkable achievement is a testament to the quality and innovation of her gluten and sugar-free cakes. The award is a well-deserved reflection of Sophie's hard work and dedication to creating exceptional products that are both delicious and healthy.

"Her success is a true inspiration to our local food community and a source of great pride for Waterford," he added.

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This year marked another record-breaking edition of Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, highlighting the creativity and diversity of Ireland's food sector.

Chairperson Artie Clifford congratulated the Waterford winners, saying that seeing such talented producers from the county represented "is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland's food producers."

The awards weekend, which ran from October 2 to 5, featured the Blas Village, Eat Ireland in a Day market, and Backyard at Blas discussions, giving producers the chance to meet buyers, experts and food lovers from across the country.