Success for Cavan producers at 'food Oscars'

More than a half dozen Cavan-based food businesses brought home prizes

Cavan's reputation as a hub of culinary excellence in Ireland was once again reaffirmed at this year’s Blás na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, with an impressive tally of accolades going to producers from across the Breffni county.

From traditional Irish staples to innovative healthy treats, more than a half dozen Cavan-based food businesses brought home prizes from what is widely regarded as the gold standard for Irish food and drink.

With thousands of entries across more than 180 categories, the Blás na hÉireann Awards, which took place earlier this month, are judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by industry experts.

Among the standout Cavan performers were Ice Cream Treats, based in Killeshandra who scooped Gold and Silver in the Frozen Yogurt category for their beloved Moo’d Ice Cream; and were also named Best in County Cavan.

Another big winner was Arva's Cully’s Craft Bakery, a third-generation family bakery, earned two Gold awards for their Traditional Plain Batch Loaf and Traditional Sliced Batch Loaf.

Áine Handmade Chocolate, led by master chocolatier Ann Rudden, brought home bronze for their incredible Róisín’s Belgian Dark Salted Chocolate 55% Cacoa in the 'Chocolate Bar' category; while Mushrooms & Love, a newcomer, was recognised with Bronze for their Blissful Mushroom Coffee in the 'Hot Beverages – Coffee (Single Origin)' category.

SuperValu’s Food Academy producers- Drummully Boxty and Moran’s Mega Jam- also did particularly well.

Farrelly family run Drumully got Bronze and Silver for their baked loaf and dumpling in the 'Ready Meals & Prepared Foods (Hot) – Potato (Griddle)' category; while Moran's, owned by Kieron and Claire, picked up silver for their delicious Raspberry Preserve in the 'Sweet Pantry – Preserve' category.

Other big winners include Manor Farm which had seven nominations, and took hope Gold for Tesco Finest Irish Corn Fed Diced Chicken Breast and Silver for both Corn Fed Skin-on Fillet and SuperValu’s Sweet Chilli BBQ Oyster Thighs.

Bailieborough-based Terra received Gold for Lidl Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur and Silver for Lidl Dundalgan Caramel Liqueur; and Carleton Cakes got Gold for Simply Better 8 Mini Fruit Cakes.

Ballyjamesduff based Liffey Meats had two nominations going into the finals.

The Local Enterprise Office in Cavan was quick to celebrate the achievements.

Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise, commented: “On behalf of LEO Cavan, I would like to congratulate all our local winners, especially Ice Cream Treats for being named ‘Best in Cavan’. These awards are a testament to the incredible talent, innovation, and passion that exists within our food community. We’re proud to support their growth.”