Leitrim producers triumph at Blas na hÉireann 2024 with multiple awards

Three Leitrim producers took home prizes at this year's Blas na hÉireann awards. The awards took place from October 3 until October 5 in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

The finalists from Leitrim in this year's competition were McNiffe’s Boxty, Artessa, Blakes Always Organic and Dromod Boxty.

2024 saw a record year for Blas na hÉireann with over 3,000 entries. Producers who make it to the finals truly represent the best of Irish food and drink.

Blakes Always Organic, based in Drumshanbo, won two awards. The organic food company took home a Gold for their blueberry kefir and a Bronze for their strawberry flavour yoghurt in the ‘Dairy - Milk (flavoured)’ category.

"We manufacture coffee and kefir, and we launched three flavours recently with Supervalu and Centra nationwide in response to demand for something other than plain kefir," said John Brennan, CEO of Blakes Always Organic.

"We have blueberry, strawberry, blackcurrant and lemon all made from full fat organic milk. Nothing is added except natural flavours."

Last year, Blakes Always Organic won two gold awards.

"We’re delighted to get the awards, it’s an acknowledgement from the industry and by people who are in the food business. Last year we got two golds. 

"The product has just been launched with Supervalu and Centra so its available to buy there for now and will be available more widely later," Mr Brennan added.

In the 'Hot Plate Baked Goods' category, McNiffe’s earned a Gold for their Traditional Irish Pan Boxty and a Bronze for their Boxty Bites. McNiffe’s also secured another Gold in the 'Ready Meals and Prepared Foods (Hot) - Potato (Griddle)' category with their Traditional Irish Pan Boxty.

McNiffe’s also took home gold for their Pan Boxty in 2023. “We are beyond thrilled with winning two gold awards and a bronze award this year for our traditional Irish Pan Boxty and boxty bites at Blas na hÉireann,” said Darren Ryan, Production Manager at McNiffe’s.

“Getting recognition at Blas na hÉireann by even being listed as a finalist is something we are extremely proud of and then to win two golds and a bronze award is just the icing on the cake.

Leitrim’s five finalists for Blas na hÉireann: McNiffe’s reflect on their award journey

Blas na hÉireann 2024 will run from October 3 until October 5

“The seal of approval that our products are worthy of standing amongst the best of the best across Ireland, where we are known to have some of the best produce in the world, so it really is something extraordinary to win.” 

Dromod Boxty earned a Silver in this category, as well as another Silver for their Gluten-Free Boxty.

“We are incredibly proud that both our Boxty and Gluten Free Boxty have been recognised with Silver awards, a true testament to the quality and excellence of our products. Crafting a heritage product is a true passion, so it's immensely gratifying to see it receive the recognition it truly deserves.

“These awards celebrate the finest Irish food producers, making this a truly proud moment for our Managing Director, Áine Faughnan, and the entire Dromod team. 

“This recognition adds to our growing list of accolades, reflecting the hard work, dedication, and high standards upheld by our amazing staff,” said Martha Scanlon, Officer Manager of Dromod Boxty.

READ MORE: Leitrim property prices soar nearly €5000 in just three months