Recognising Ireland’s small-scale crab fishermen and sustainable shellfish producers.
Celebrating Ireland’s innovative mushroom growers and sustainable cultivation practices.
Honouring rare breed pig producers committed to regenerative and free-range farming.
for Kinlahan Reserve
Recognising exceptional Irish soft cheesemakers.
for Cnoc Liatroma
Honouring Irish flour producers working from field to flour using traditional milling methods.
Celebrating the revival of traditional Irish poitín distilling.
for Micil Irish Poitín
“This year’s theme, Community at the Table, speaks directly to what Euro-Toques has stood for over the past 40 years,” said Conor Halpenny of Square Dundalk, Chair of Euro-Toques Ireland. “Food is never just about what is on the plate. It is about the people, traditions, skills and relationships behind it. These awards celebrate producers whose work strengthens local communities, preserves heritage and keeps Irish food culture alive for future generations.”
Aishling Moore of Goldie in Cork, Head of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Council, added:
“The Food Awards recognise producers whose work reflects integrity, care and a deep connection to the land and sea. This year’s winners represent the extraordinary diversity of Irish food production – from sustainably harvested crab and organically cultivated mushrooms to heritage pork, farmhouse cheeses, stone-milled flour and traditional poitín. They are custodians of knowledge and flavour, and they remind us that community is built through food.”
Principal partner La Rousse Foods supported the overall event and Euro-Toques Ireland’s ongoing mission to champion the people behind Ireland’s ingredients and culinary traditions. This year’s ceremony also included a special reflection on Irish wool and the importance of preserving Ireland’s fibre heritage. Each winner received a handmade woollen blanket crafted by Ériu in County Wicklow.
A special focus of this year’s ceremony was the celebration of Irish wool heritage. Each winner received a handmade wool blanket created by Ériu in County Wicklow, recognising the importance of preserving native Irish wool traditions and supporting emerging Irish wool supply chains. While Ireland has a rich woollen tradition deeply connected to its cultural identity, very little wool sold today as “Irish wool” actually comes from Irish-grown fibre. Organisers highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairer recognition for authentic Irish wool and the farmers and craftspeople working to preserve this vital aspect of Ireland’s cultural identity. Encouragingly, initiatives such as the Galway Wool Co-op and Ériu’s farm-to-yarn model are helping rebuild local supply chains and restore visibility to native Irish wool.
Following the awards ceremony, guests gathered for a celebratory lunch showcasing Irish produce from nominees and winners across all categories. The event created opportunities for chefs and producers to connect directly, reinforcing Euro-Toques Ireland’s belief that strong food communities are built through relationships, collaboration and shared values. The 2026 Food Awards once again highlighted the importance of protecting Ireland’s food heritage while supporting innovation, sustainability and the next generation of Irish producers and craftspeople.