Blas na hÉireann has today (September 4) celebrated the winners of its Champions Producers' awards at the Fumbally Stables in Dublin.

The Blas awards are the largest blind-tasting awards of produce in the country, with tasting taking place throughout June and July.

This builds towards the biggest celebration of Irish food at the Blas Village in Dingle in next month (October 2025).

This year, the Blas Producers’ Champions were Santina Kennedy, Caroline Hennessy, and Anthony O’Toole.

According to the awards organisers, each has their own unique voice and perspective, and their collective impact across Irish food writing, curation, hospitality, advocacy and sustainability is both significant and impressive. 

Chosen directly by Irish producers from every corner of the country, the Producers’ Champion title is awarded based on nominations from within the Blas na hÉireann network.

It celebrates those who go above and beyond to support, elevate, and promote Irish food and drink.

The first winner is Caroline Hennessy, who has been a steadfast voice in Irish food for over two decades.

As an award-winning writer, author, MC, and editor, Blas na hÉireann said she has "consistently used her platforms to tell the stories of local producers".

"With a sharp focus on sustainability and regional food systems, her work weaves the story of Irish food into media, events and podcasts, helping producers reach new audiences and communities."

The second winner is Satina Kennedy, a food consultant and curator whose work Blas na hÉireann credited with bringing "Irish food to life through unforgettable experiences".

Kennedy has created immersive dining events at the National Gallery of Ireland, and helped to develop food tourism strategies with Fáilte Ireland.

Blas na hÉireann said Kennedy "enjoys pairing food with art, place, history, and storytelling", with a focus on "keeping local food, ingredients and their narratives central to a destination’s offering". 

The final winner is Anthony O'Toole, a chef, writer, slow food advocate, and lifelong champion of seed sovereignty.

From launching Fat Tomato, his organic edible garden and horticulture project in Co. Wexford, to co-founding Taste Wexford, O'Toole's work "connects chefs and producers through sustainability, education, and celebration of heritage ingredients", according to Blas na hÉireann.

All three now join the prestigious roster of Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions — a list that includes Darina and Rachel Allen and Rory O’Connell, John and Sally McKenna, Neven Maguire, Jess Murphy, Kate Ryan, Conor Spacey, Brian McDermott, Laura Bradley and Johnny McDowell from Indie Füde, and Simon Coveney — as part of a community that celebrates excellence and advocacy in Irish food.