Cork Company of the Year Awards open for entries

Former winners include PepsiCo, Stryker, Carbery, Irish Distillers and Eli Lilly.

PepsiCo was named Company of the Year in 2024. Pictured are executives Mary Lane, Clodagh Thompson, and Pankaj Agarwal receiving the award for Overall Cork Company of The Year from former President Ronan Murray; Sinead Scully, Vodafone Ireland, Sinead Bryan, Vodafone Ireland and Conor Healy, Cork Chamber. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

The Cork Company of the Year Awards for 2025 have opened for entries. 

The Cork Chamber awards recognise ambitious companies for their advances, innovation and growth. The annual awards, held in association with Vodafone and the Irish Examiner, recognise the diversity and vibrancy of the Cork business community.

Former winners include Stryker, Carbery, Irish Distillers and Eli Lilly. PepsiCo was named the International and Overall Cork Company of the Year 2024 earlier this year.

Rob Horgan, Chamber President, said the Cork business community is central to the region’s economic growth. 

"It is important that we take stock of the real value that our business community is making — innovating for change, investing for growth and advancing sustainability as a central strategic pillar," he said.

"There’s no doubt that the Cork Company of the Year Awards are highly competitive, but they provide an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate your achievements. We want to see how your team has excelled to achieve the exceptional."

The four award categories are:

• Emerging Cork Company of the Year; 
• Cork SME Company of the Year; 
• Large Cork Company of the Year;
• International Cork Company of the Year.

Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance, Cork Chamber emphasised the growing importance of sustainability in this year’s awards. 

"The Cork Company of the Year Awards celebrate some of the outstanding achievements of businesses across Cork. From start-ups and SMEs to large enterprises, Cork’s businesses continue to innovate, adapt, and contribute to the strength of our local economy."

Mary Lane, Senior Director Commercialisation at PepsiCo, said it was an honour to receive both the Cork Chamber’s International Company of the Year award and the Overall Cork Company of the Year award in 2024. 

"Winning these prestigious awards in our 50th year of operating in Cork was a tremendous honour and testament to the PepsiCo Ireland team that make us the powerhouse that we are today. PepsiCo Ireland is very proud to be part of the Cork business community."

The closing date for all completed applications is Monday, October 14. The winners in each category along with the Overall Cork Company of the Year will be announced in February. See www.corkchamber.ie