The Blas na hÉireann Buyers’ Showcase returns this week, having last taken place in 2019 at the awards weekend in Dingle.
Killruddery will play host to the Showcase from 10 to 12 November, supported by Compass Group Ireland.
Set up in the Milking Parlour at Killruddery, a large, spacious venue with open archways onto the courtyard for extra ventilation, this shop floor-style display showcases the 2021 finalists on the shelves, a record year for entries with many new producers reaching the finalist stage, so essentially the very best of Irish under one roof.
Buyers’ Showcase
The Buyers’ Showcase is an 'opportunity for retail buyers from all across the country to come and view the latest Blas award-winning products in an ideal shop setting, with a view to potentially stocking them on the shelves of their own stores.'
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our Buyers’ Showcase this year,” commented Artie Clifford, chairperson of Blas na hÉireann.
“The awards in 2020 and 2021 were all done virtually, and while we were so proud to be able to announce winners each year, we really missed gathering to celebrate our producers and, most importantly, putting our winning products in front of key decision-makers," he said.
'Life Changing' Opportunities
In the past, products have been discovered and deals done at the Blas Buyers’ Showcase that have changed the businesses and lives of Blas na hÉireann producers, the group added.
The Blas Buyers’ Showcase gives attendees the time and space to consider each product and decide if it’s something their customers would enjoy, it added.
Speaking about the partnership, Deirdre O’Neill, managing director of Compass Group Ireland said, "We are delighted that almost 100 of this year’s Blas na hÉireann finalists are either direct suppliers to our kitchens or work indirectly with manufacturers supplying our business.
"This is a number we look forward to growing over the coming months and years as we work collaboratively with the team at Blas na hÉireann,” she added.
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