Finalists of Blas na hEireann 2022 Announced
Aug 17, 2022,
by Fionnuala Malone - Category: Blas na hEireann
The finalists for Blas na hÉireann 2022 were announced last week with many GS1 Ireland members among the lucky chosen few. The Blas Awards celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink across over 150 categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. To be included among the finalists, a product has to score in the top five entries in a particular category. Sometimes, if judges’ scores are very close there can be more than five finalists per category. Blas publishes a finalists guide every year which is shared with buyers and media before the awards. This is a fantastic opportunity for Irish food and drink producers to catch the attention of and make connections with retailers and journalists nationwide. This year is the 15th year of Blas na hÉireann and has seen a huge increase in entries and many new producers entering the awards for the first time.
GS1 Ireland and Blas an hÉireann
GS1 Ireland has supported the Irish Food Awards for several years and is proud to be a category sponsor again in 2022. There are many GS1 Ireland members among the Blas finalists including Velo Coffee Roasters, Burren Smokehouse, Bó Rua Farm, Pizza De Piero and many more. Tag us in your posts and we’ll share news of your success.
“With almost 50% of the GS1 Ireland membership hailing from the food and drink sector, working with Blas an hEireann is a great way to support and champion Irish food and drink producers, be they artisan SMEs or more established brands,” commented Maria Svejdar, Head of Marketing and CX for GS1 Ireland.
The GS1 Ireland Blas Producer map
Back in 2020 as the awards moved online, GS1 Ireland worked with Blas to create an interactive map showcasing the Blas finalists and winners.
Maria Svejdar added, “This year the map has improved search and navigation to help buyers and consumers find the #bestofirish food and drink from across the island of Ireland. Now that the finalists for 2022 have been announced we will be updating the map to include their details as well. We wish all our members the very best of luck in The Irish Food Awards 2022 and we look forward to the announcements on the day!”
Blas Village 2022
The awards will take place this year in an exciting new venue – the Blas Village. Right in the heart of Dingle town the Blas Village will be built for the very first time. It includes Blas Awards Venue, Showcase & Networking Area as well as The Backyard at Blas. The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in each category will be announced live during the Awards Weekend in Dingle and live online on Friday 30th September. In the meantime, finalists are being asked to complete a few steps on the Blas login portal including RSVPing to the event before Friday 2nd September. For more information on dates and details visit the Blas website: https://www.irishfoodawards.com/pack-up-your-produce-and-head-for-kerry/
Key dates for Dingle 2022
Thursday 29th September
Blas, a taste of 2022 – Showcase open for private preview to buyers. Producers registration & backyard open.
Friday 30th September
Awards announced throughout the day in the following category sessions:
10.30am Session 1 – Meats Proudly Supported by Henderson Food Machinery
11.30am Session 2 – Dairy Proudly Supported by Cross Rental Services
12.30pm Session 3 – Seafood Proudly Supported by GS1
1.30pm Session 4 – Ready Meals & Prepared Foods Proudly Supported by Blenders
2.30pm Session 5 – Breads & Cakes Proudly Supported by Andrew Ingredients
3.30pm Session 6 – Sweet Pantry
4.30pm Session 7 – Savoury Pantry
5.30pm Session 8 – Savoury Snacks & Drinks Proudly
6.30pm – Key Award Winners announced
Showcase open to producers, buyers, press as a networking venue throughout the day. Blas Backyard – conversations & panels throughout the day.
Saturday 1st September
Showcase open to producers, buyers, press as a networking venue throughout the day. Blas Backyard – conversations & panels throughout the day.
