Bord Bia has called for entries to its Food and Drink Awards programme for 2015.

Through eight categories, the awards will recognise excellence in branding, consumer insight, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, export development, innovation, success on the home market and sustainability.

It says as the industry seeks to grow output and expand export reach, it is important to recognise the continued progress and achievements of the sector in creating value for society.

The awards are open to all food and drink products manufactured in Ireland, that are verified members of Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme.

According to Bord Bia, companies must be in business for a minimum of two fiscal years and where relevant, it is desirable that companies source materials that are approved under the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes.

The entries will be assessed by an independent judging panel chaired by John Fanning, Chairman of Bord Bia’s Brand Forum.

The panel of nine judges includes senior representatives from Bord Bia, Spar International, P and G, The Agricultural Trust, 2degrees, Google and Facebook.

To apply for the 2015 awards, companies can apply online by July 24, 2015.

The winners will be announced at Bord Bia’s Annual Brand Forum end of year event taking place in the Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday November 12, 2015.

The guest speaker at the awards ceremony will be Joe Schmidt, the Irish Rugby Team’s Head Coach while Keelin Shanley will be MC for the evening.