Some of Ireland’s most exceptional food producers were honoured at the 2024 Euro-Toques Food Awards, held at Airfield Estate, Dublin, on September 23rd. Since their inception in 1996, inspired by the legendary Myrtle Allen, the Euro-Toques Food Awards have annually recognised and celebrated the finest food produced across Ireland. The event provides a unique platform for chefs to acknowledge and commend the dedication and craft of small artisan producers. The Awards are supported by Cully & Sully this year, as a tribute to Mrs Allen’s work.
Hosted by renowned food writer and author Caroline Hennessy, the ceremony saw the presentation of six awards by Euro-Toques Ireland across the categories of Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Craft.
This year’s award winners are:
WATER: Rossmore Oysters
For their exceptional native Irish oysters and their significant contribution to regenerative aquaculture in Ireland.
LAND: The Apple Farm For their outstanding apples and their contribution to the protection of Irish heritage and biodiversity.
FARM: McGeough’s Butchers For their superb charcuterie meats and mastery of traditional methods, creating products that capture the unique flavours and character of the Irish landscape.
DAIRY: Coolattin Cheddar For their remarkable raw milk cheddar and their commitment to championing Ireland’s rich and flavoursome dairy bounty.
ARTISAN PRODUCE: BKultured For their outstanding Water Kefir and their dedication to advancing the artisan production of fermented drinks.
CRAFT: Blackwater Distillery For their outstanding spirits and their contribution to protecting the tradition and skill of the age-old craft of distillation in Ireland.
Following the awards, a wonderful garden feast brought together 100 chefs and producers for a celebration of Irish food. Over 30 producers’ offerings were showcased on a beautifully presented communal Harvest Table. This event, curated by the Euro-Toques Food Council to spotlight some of the finest produce Ireland has to offer, featured winners, nominees, and Euro-Toques members.
This year’s awards underscore a shared commitment to sustainable and traditional food production practices. Each category honours producers who excel in preserving and promoting the natural environment, heritage, and traditional methods within their specific domains—whether in aquaculture, agriculture, charcuterie, dairy, or artisan products. The emphasis is on the importance of environmental stewardship and the revival of traditional crafts, all of which contribute to maintaining and enhancing Ireland’s culinary heritage.
The 2024 Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards particularly highlighted: producers of native oysters, to underscore the significance of regenerative aquaculture in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems; advocates of regenerative agriculture and the circular economy; makers of charcuterie meats highlighting the revival of this ancient craft and its deep connection to the Irish countryside; producers of raw milk cheeses, for preserving the natural microflora of the landscape, which imparts unique flavours and maintains traditional cheese-making practices; producers of Irish low-or-no-alcohol fermented drinks reflecting the resurgence of traditional fermentation methods; and independent distillers reviving the ancient craft of spirit and whiskey production in Ireland.
Chef Conor Halpenny, Head of the Euro-Toques Food Council, emphasised the vital role of small artisan producers in shaping Ireland’s culinary landscape. He stated, “Our mission is more than just celebrating excellence—it’s about raising awareness of the incredible work being done by small producers who are the backbone of our food culture. These are the people who commit to local, seasonal produce, ensuring that what we eat is grown, farmed, and crafted with care here in Ireland. The sense of community that brings chefs and producers together is at the heart of Euro-Toques. It’s about building a sustainable future where the dedication of our artisans is recognised, their traditions preserved, and their innovations embraced. Together, we’re creating a culinary landscape that honours the past while inspiring the future.”
Manuela Spinelli, Head of Community at Euro-Toques Ireland, emphasised the importance of engagement and shared values within the organisation. She said, “Our long-term strategy is about more than just connecting chefs and producers—it’s about building a community rooted in shared values. We welcome all who are committed to local, seasonal produce and prioritise short supply chains. Becoming a member of Euro-Toques means becoming part of something bigger. Our goal is to foster a community that thrives on collaboration, and our message is clear: we take immense pride in celebrating Ireland’s finest produce and are equally committed to nurturing the next generation of Irish culinary talent, ensuring that the future of Irish cuisine is both innovative and deeply rooted in the country’s rich culinary heritage.”
Hashtags: #ETFoodAwards #Chefsmeetproducers
Euro-Toques Ireland – The European Community of Chefs & Cooks
Tel: 085-8520760 www.euro-toques.ie
ENDS
Media queries: Manuela Spinelli
Euro-Toques Ireland Head of Community
manuela@euro-toques.ieoffice@euro-toques.ie 086-0485802