The Blas na hÉireann Irish food accolades for this year have just been declared. The top two honours were awarded to Rivesci, a condiment creator based in Tipperary, who bagged the Supreme Champion gold medal for its Smoked Chilli Oil, and Valentia Island Vermouth, which was bestowed with the Best Artisan Producer accolade.
Blas na hÉireann awards mark the end of a three-day yearly Irish food and beverage festival in Dingle, Co Kerry. They are amongst the most prestigious recognitions in the food sector, drawing attention to excellent Irish produce with bronze, silver and gold distinctions.
Rivesci, a past nominee and gold award recipient at the Blas na hÉireann awards, started off by supplying homemade food from a classic 1976 caravan, but had to transition to full-time condiment production due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The founders, Shannon Forrest and Michelin-educated chef Declan Malone, source local ingredients to craft small-batch handmade relishes and sauces.
Valentia Island Vermouth, awarded the Best Artisan Product, is the brainchild of Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll, who were inspired by the unique flora and fauna of Valentia Island, located off the Co Kerry coast, during the Covid-19 lockdown to create Ireland’s inaugural vermouth. The vermouth is crafted using herbs, flowers, and fruits foraged from the island.
As the winners were being revealed, Artie Clifford, the chairman of Blas na hÉireann, shared, “Observing the constant quality and innovation in Ireland’s food and drink industry over the past 17 years of these awards is truly inspirational. Each year the bar is set higher, and showcasing these elite products and their diligent producers to the country is a privilege.”
The Blas na hÉireann awards are now in their 17th year, and over 3,000 entries were adjudicated during June and July. Products from across Ireland were sent in to compete for bronze, silver or gold awards across over 170 food and beverage categories.