The Irish Food Writers’ Guild (IFWG) has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, which saw eight winners from across the country honoured.
The awards – now in their 32nd year – do not allow applications nor submissions, meaning that the Guild chooses winners based solely on quality, integrity, and a commitment to genuinely sustainable practices.
Businesses do not know if the IFWG has nominated them for an award.
Members of the IFWG – the sole decision-making body – anonymously buy and taste the products as part of the judging process, and then vote by proportional representation.
Food producers must make the product in Ireland and the main ingredient must also be Irish grown or produced for it to win.
‘Greenwashing’
Chair of the IFWG Paula McIntyre spoke about greenwashing and its impact on the Irish food and drink sector at the event.
McIntyre said, “Greenwashing has infiltrated the food and drinks sector in ways many of us don’t even realise and when sustainability is merely used as a marketing tactic, consumers are misled and the credibility and reputation of true sustainable producers is undermined.”
“Offending brands use vague buzzwords, deceptive green packaging, and even dubious certifications to take advantage of consumers’ efforts to shop and eat more sustainably – without making any real environmental impact.
“Meanwhile, truly sustainable Irish producers work tirelessly to uphold the highest ethical and environmental standards, often without the recognition or support they deserve.
“For more than three decades, the IFWG has been spotlighting many of these outstanding producers, with sustainability a consistent thread linking our annual award winners. And this year is no different.
“We know for the most part Ireland’s food and drink industry is committed to playing its part in tackling climate change, but we cannot allow greenwashing to go unchecked and ultimately, consumers rely on producers to be honest and transparent in how they communicate and promote their produce.”
‘Ensure Authenticity’
McIntyre called on regulatory bodies to adopt a more proactive approach to tackling issues of greenwashing and for environmentally conscious consumers to be even more discerning.
She said, “Unfortunately, when it comes to sustainable practices, we cannot simply accept a brand’s claims at face value.
“We must interrogate claims more carefully to ensure authenticity, and while this can be challenging, it’s critical if we are to protect the integrity of our world-class food sector and the vibrant and hard-working producers who make it so.
“I’d like to commend the work being done by Bord Bia to support Irish producers through collaboration and education, helping them navigate sustainability challenges with integrity and authenticity.”
‘Highest Standards In Quality And Sustainability’
The director of marketing at Bord Bia Una Fitzgibbon also said, “Bord Bia is proud to support the IFWG and its annual awards, which celebrate the excellence and integrity of Irish food producers.
“These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of producers who uphold the highest standards in quality and sustainability.
“Bord Bia values the opportunity to collaborate with the guild in recognising and promoting these outstanding contributions to the Irish food sector.
“The IFWG plays a vital role in highlighting the achievements of these producers, and we commend this year’s eight recipients for their leaderships and commitment to sustainable food production.”
Winners
- Food Award: Sneem Black Pudding – Peter O’ Sullivan Butchers, Co. Kerry.
- Food Award: Murphy’s Ice Cream, Co. Kerry.
- Food Award: 40 day aged Côte de boeuf - Higgins Family Butcher, Co. Dublin.
- Irish Drink Award: Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur - Mourne Dew Distillery, Co. Down.
- Notable Contribution to Irish Food: Moy Hill Farm, Co. Clare.
- Environmental Award: Master Chefs Ellan Farm, Co. Limerick.
- Community Food Award: Irish Seed Savers Association, Co. Clare.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Jane and Louis Grubb of Cashel Blue, Co. Tipperary.
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