Agri-Food Regulator adds flavour to Blas na hÉireann awards
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers were announced as Best Artisan Producer at the 2025 Blas na hÉireann Awards in Dingle.
It is going to be a saucy weekend for some people at the 19th Blas na hÉireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle.
The winners will be announced tomorrow at what is now the country’s biggest blind tasting of produce. Over 3,000 entries from more than 200 food and drink categories have been received for the awards.
Research has shown that Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers and that using the award logo on packs encourages shoppers to buy these products.
The criteria on which the products are judged is now recognised as an international industry standard. But this year a further flavour has been added to the event, which opens on Friday and continues until Sunday.
That’s because An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) is partnering with Blas na hÉireann as a supporter of the savoury pantry categories. Established as an independent state agency in 2023, the regulator is responsible for promoting fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain.
Chief executive Niamh Lenehan said the focus of the two organisations blends well together. The awards recognise the very best of Irish food and drink producers to help them succeed, while the regulator promotes fairness and transparency in business-to-business relationships across the food supply chain for the benefit of all, she said.
Ms Lenehan said chutneys, oils, jellies and salt are some of the products featured in the savoury pantry categories.
“Seasonings, dressings, and sauces are all agri-food products. There is sometimes an erroneous perception that agri-food is a sub-section of food products, whereas it’s an umbrella term that includes food and drink products,” she said.
Blas na hÉireann chairperson Artie Clifford said its focus has always been on supporting Irish food and drink producers and creating opportunities for them to grow and succeed. “We are delighted to welcome the Agri-Food Regulator as a supporter of the savoury pantry categories this year.
"Having fair and transparent relationships throughout the food supply chain matters too. That is why we are delighted to welcome the Agri-Food Regulator to Blas na hÉireann this year,” he said.
The remit of the regulator is to promote fairness and transparency in the agri-food supply chain. Suppliers of products are provided legal protection against 16 specific unfair trading practices (UTPs) by their larger buyers.
UTPs are broadly defined as practices that deviate from good commercial conduct and are contrary to good faith and fair dealing. If food suppliers feel they were subject to a UTP, they can make a complaint to the regulator.
Meanwhile, an annual online survey of farmers, fishers and growers to help inform the work of the Agri-Food Regulator is now closed. Conducted by RED C on behalf of the regulator, it provided an opportunity for primary producers to provide feedback directly to the regulator, which helps inform its work.
The responses to the survey will assist the independent statutory agency to better understand the needs and perspectives of farmers, fishers and growers.
Last month, the regulator announced it had expanded its capabilities and statutory functions with a new Legal and Research unit. Ciara O’Gorman joined the organisation as head of Legal and Research, with Anne Hayden appointed as policy and research officer.
Niamh Lenehan said the establishment of the unit is a significant development in the Agri-Food Regulator’s current stage of growth. Ciara O’Gorman brings extensive legal and regulatory experience that strengthens the agency’s in-house legal and research capacity.
It will enhance organisational resilience, responsiveness and capacity to meet evolving legislative and stakeholder expectations. Anne’s expertise in agricultural research and policy will further strengthen the unit’s evidence and research base.
“Together, these appointments will supplement the specialist expertise in the organisation as we continue to grow and deliver on the regulator’s statutory remit,” she said.
