Put 2,500 products together and pick the best - that’s the challenge of the Blas na hÉreann food awards. But last weekend as the winners were revealed, the scale of the competition came into focus and the star products shone through.

A cheer erupted on Saturday evening as Rooney Fish from Kilkeel, Co Down were crowned the Supreme Champion for their Millbay Oysters. The family run business, now in its second generation, specialise in catching, preparing and processing fish from Irish waters but in 2014, opened an oyster farm in Carlingford, where they combine traditional methods with innovative techniques.

John and Rosemary Rooney of Millbay Oysters, Supreme Champion winners at Blas na Éireann 2018

As a judge, their win came as no surprise. As soon as the oysters were shot, those judging the fish category instantly commented on one that stood out from the crowd with its powerful clean and fresh flavour followed by a touch of sweetness lingering on the palate.

John Rooney from Rooney Fish says: “We are absolutely delighted to win Supreme Champion at Blas na hÉireann 2018. In 2014, we fulfilled a long-term ambition and opened an oyster farm in Carlingford Lough. Although we’ve grown considerably since we began, we’re still a family business and to be recognised with this award from Blas na hÉireann, who themselves believe so strongly in community and family, is a huge honour.”

Artisan success

Rooney Fish also won best in Ulster but another northern success was celebrated when Refuge Hot Chocolate from Belfast won Best Artisan Product of 2018. Tara Mullan’s business idea, born only last year, has a social enterprise angle – to support survivors of human trafficking. Through this altruistic process, a fantastic product emerged, a luxurious and opulent thick liquid chocolate that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Commenting on her success, Tara said: “To get the Blas na hÉireann stamp of approval is an incredible endorsement. The work that Blas na hÉireann do to promote Irish produce can be life changing for smaller producers.”

Provincial success

There was also big success in Connaught with Oliver Carty taking home 12 awards-four gold, five silver and three bronze. Supplying both SuperValu and Aldi, there was gold success for the SuperValu smoked thick cut rasher, the SuperValu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire smoked bacon loin and Aldi's mixed peppercorn and garlic butter.

Another product that received much instant praise at the judges table was Oliver Carty’s spicy harissa rub. The judging is blind taste tested but the impactful taste shone through.

Best in Munster was celebrated by Glenstal Foods from Murroe in Co Limerick who won gold for their Glenstal Irish creamery salted butter while in Leinster, success went to Golden Grains for their Goodness Grains gluten free lemon slice.

Judging process

The Blas na hEireann initial judging takes place in UCC in July. The top five in each category are then sent to Dingle for judging. During Wednesday and Thursday of this week, over 100 judges consisting of chefs, food writers and academics judged 4,000 samples from 350 producer finalists.

The awards coincided with the Dingle Food Festival, which took place over the weekend. With such an influx of food produces, retailers and entrepreneurs in town, it has become the ultimate networking event in the Irish food calendar.

For more winners, log onto www.irishfoodawards.com