Several artisan butcher businesses around Ireland were recently recognised for the quality of their products at the 2026 Great Taste Awards.

Those businesses have been congratulated by the Irish Butchers' Guild, which said its members achieved "outstanding" success as the award winners were announced.

Form among the entrants, the Great Taste Awards allocates food products a certain number of 'stars' as a reflection of quality, with a number of Irish butchers receiving multiple stars.

The awards are organised by the Guild of Fine Food, and are regarded as a respected food accreditation scheme.

It operates across a number of countries, including Ireland and the UK. Every product is blind tasted and judged by a panel of over 500 chefs, food critics, buyers, retailers, producers and industry experts.

Out of all this year's entries, only 4,286 products (28.5% of total entries) received a '1-star' award; 1,596 products (10.6%) received a '2-star' award; and 306 products (2%) received the highest ranking of '3-star'.

The following members of the Irish Butchers' Guild received at least one '1-star':

Barry Fitzgerald Butchers, Fermoy, Co. Cork (2-star award for Salt Aged Côte de Boeuf; and 2-star award for 40-Day Himalayan Salt Aged T-Bone Steak);
Walsh's Gourmet Butcher, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (2-star award for Gourmet Beef Burger; and 1-star award for Spiced Lamb Kofta);
B. Molloy Master Butchers, Ennis, Co. Clare (2-star award for Traditional Sweet Cure Ham; 1-star award for Dry Aged T-Bone Steak; and 1-star for Rack of Clare Lamb);
Corrigan's Artisan Butchers, Dublin (1-star for Dry Aged Fillet Steak; and 1-star for Dry Aged Ribeye Steak);
Furlong Family Butchers, Gorey, Co. Wexford (1-star for Cucumber Pickle; and 1-star for Chip Shop Style Curry Sauce);
Fresh Food Courtyard, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (1-star for Dry Aged T-Bone Steak);
Lisdergan Butchery, Fintona, Co. Tyrone (2-star for Dry Aged Saddle-Back Pork Tomahawk; 1-star for 28 Day Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak; and 1-star for 28 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak).

The Irish Butchers' Guild said the awards are "a testament to the dedication, craftmanship and innovation of Ireland's independent butchers".

"These awards recognise not only exceptional products but also the passion, skill and commitment that independent butchers bring to their craft," the guild said.

"It is fantastic to see our members receiving international recognition for the quality and innovation they continue to deliver," the guild added in a statement.

The Irish Butchers' Guild also acknowledged Irish farmers who produce the beef and lamb that "forms the foundation" of many of the award-winning products.

"By working closely with trusted local suppliers, guild member continue to offer customers food of exceptional quality, provenance and flavour," the guild said.

The Irish Butchers' Guild was formed in 2019, and brings together some of Ireland's leading independent butchers, who preserve traditional butchery skills.