Three Westmeath producers win at Blas na hÉireann 2021

The quality of local food produce has again been recognised at the Blas na hÉireann awards, this year held as a virtual celebration of the best in Irish food.

There are three 2021 winners from Westmeath, who took bronze, silver and gold awards in a range of categories:

1. Greene’s Family Kitchen; Gold, Silver and Best in County, supported by LEO Westmeath;

2. Luna Ventures Ltd trading as Killua Castle; Gold and Bronze;

3. Mr. Crumb; Silver and Bronze.

Christine Charlton, head of enterprise, LEO Westmeath, said: “Congratulations to all of the businesses recognised through these Blas na hÉireann awards, and to Kenneth and Kathleen from Greene’s Family Kitchen, who were awarded Best in County, and our other prize winners – Mr. Crumb, Finea, and Killua Castle Foods, Clonmellon.

“These businesses are testament to the high quality, vibrant producers we have throughout the county showcasing the best of what Westmeath has to offer through the wide range of products considered for these awards.”

The Blas na hÉireann chairperson, Artie Clifford, says that now, more than ever, it is essential to shine a light and give a boost to the talented producers around the island.

“These are the 14th annual Blas na hÉireann awards, and I am delighted to report a record entry level from producers across the island.

“This increase in entries has raised the bar across all categories, allowing us to introduce new products and producers to the buyers and press we work with.

“Congratulations to all the winners and to every producer who participated. It is always such a rewarding experience to see the wealth of exceptional foods being produced on the island of Ireland, and this has been the best year yet.”

The Blas na hÉireann awards are the all-island food awards that recognise the best Irish food and drink products, and the people behind them.

It is the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system, which was developed by Blas na hÉireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, are recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.

Products from every county in Ireland were entered in this year’s competition to win Gold, Silver or Bronze Blas na hÉireann awards in more than 150 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.