Four Munster food producers celebrate Euro-Toques Food Awards wins
Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards:(L-R) Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards: Tom Burgess of Coolattin Cheddar; Justin McGeough of McGeough’s Butchers; Con Traas of The Apple Farm, Niamh Hegarty of BKultured; Rupert Hugh-Jones of Rossmore Oysters; Peter Mulryan of Blackwater Distillery. Pictures: Ruth Calder-Potts
Four Munster food producers have been celebrated at the 2024 Euro-Toques Food Awards.
Held at the Airfield Estate in Dublin, and hosted by renowned food writer and author Caroline Hennessy, the awards celebrate producers across six categories — Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Craft.
In the Water category, , from Cork, were praised for their “exceptional native Irish oysters and their significant contribution to regenerative aquaculture in Ireland”.
, founded by East Cork woman Niamh Hegarty, won the Artisan Produce category for their “outstanding Water Kefir and their dedication to advancing the artisan production of fermented drinks”.
, based in Waterford, won the Craft category for their “outstanding spirits and their contribution to protecting the tradition and skill of the age-old craft of distillation in Ireland”.
The winner of the Land category was , based in south Tipperary, for their “outstanding apples and their contribution to the protection of Irish heritage and biodiversity”.
Galway’s won the Farm category for their charcuterie meats and “mastery of traditional methods”.
West Wicklow producer won the Dairy category for their raw milk cheddar.
The annual Euro-Toques Food Awards recognise and celebrate the finest food producers throughout the country and provides a unique platform for chefs to acknowledge and commend the dedication and craft of small artisan producers.
Head of the Euro-Toques Food Council, chef Conor Halpenny, acknowledged the role of small artisan producers in shaping Ireland’s culinary landscape: “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.”
Following the awards, a garden feast was held, bringing together 100 chefs and producers for a celebration of Irish food with more than 30 producers’ offerings showcased on a communal harvest table.
