The Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025 are more than a glamorous night of celebration; they are a powerful driver of real economic impact across the island of Ireland. From small family farms and artisan producers to independent restaurants and rural hotels, these Awards shine a spotlight on the local businesses that are the backbone of our food, drink and hospitality sectors.   And this year, with FBD Insurance as the official sponsor for the second year in a row, the message is even clearer: these businesses don’t just feed us, they sustain our communities, create jobs, support regional pride and drive sustainable growth.   Turning Local Excellence Into Economic Strength Ireland’s food and drink sector is built on authenticity, quality and connection to place. But behind every delicious plate or product is a network of people working to keep rural economies alive. That’s exactly what the Good Food Ireland® Awards recognise, businesses that:   Prioritise local sourcing and shorten supply chains Create meaningful employment in rural areas Champion sustainability and reduce environmental impact Invite visitors to experience Ireland’s food culture first-hand   By spotlighting these values, the Awards help strengthen economic resilience from the ground up, one farm, one kitchen, one community at a time.   North & South: An All-Island Celebration As an all-island initiative, Good Food Ireland® is uniquely positioned to foster cross-border collaboration and support economic development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.   The Awards provide a national platform for:   • Highlighting All Island excellence in food, drink and hospitality • Supporting cross-border trade and visibility • Encouraging shared growth through food tourism • Showcasing the island as a global food tourism destination   Whether you’re sipping gin from Antrim or dining on oysters in Kerry, the Awards honour businesses whose impact reaches far beyond their postcode.   The Public’s Voice: Recognising What Really Matters   The Food Lovers Choice Award is the only category open to the public, but it’s one of the most powerful. This year, as well as direct applications from businesses, the public also have the chance to nominate businesses. Then in September, they can once again vote for their favourite, in the overall voting across each category.   At Good Food Ireland®, we’ve always believed that food is about connection. That’s why we place such high value on what our customers think. Their everyday choices, their loyalty and their experiences help shape the industry and now, they get to directly celebrate the producers, chefs, cafés and food trucks that truly make a difference.   Backed by FBD: A Shared Vision for Rural Success   We’re proud to partner with FBD Insurance, a company that, like us, is deeply rooted in Ireland’s rural and agricultural heritage. Their support for the 2024 Awards and now the 2025 Awards underscores a shared mission: to back the businesses that are driving Ireland forward, economically, sustainably and authentically.   “FBD is proud to support the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025,” said CEO, Tomás O’Midheach. “We believe in the people behind Ireland’s food and hospitality industry and we’re committed to helping them thrive.”   A Celebration of Excellence and a Blueprint for Growth   The Good Food Ireland® Awards Gala will take place on Monday night, 10 November 2025, at The K Club, Co. Kildare.   Direct Applications/Public Nominations Open: June 23 – July 28, 2025 Public Voting: September 1 – September 15, 2025 Learn more: www.goodfoodireland.ie (to be announced)   From farm to fortune, the future of Irish food is worth celebrating. Be part of it.

  Ah sure, if there’s one thing we Irish know how to do, it’s celebrating with food—and St Brigid’s Day on 1st February gives us the perfect excuse to warm up the kitchen, fill our bellies, and maybe even sneak in a hot whiskey (for medicinal purposes, of course).