The All-Island Awards for
Authentic Taste, People & Place
Welcome to the premier celebration of Ireland’s food, drink and hospitality excellence, the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025 in association with FBD Insurance, where the island’s most distinguished businesses are honoured for their commitment to authentic taste, local ingredients, sustainability and the preservation of time-honoured traditions.
Now in proud partnership with FBD Insurance for the second consecutive year, these awards continue to spotlight the businesses that are the backbone of Ireland’s food and drink culture, from small artisan producers and coastal cafés to luxury hotels and historic houses. This is more than an awards ceremony, it’s a tribute to the people and places that define our island’s food identity.
An All-Island Tribute to Authenticity
With a uniquely all-island scope, the Good Food Ireland® Awards recognise excellence across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, celebrating those who bring passion, provenance and purpose to the table. From restaurants and hotels to craft distillers, food trucks, producers, educators and more, the Awards honour a diverse community of businesses shaping Ireland’s global food reputation.
What Makes These Awards So Special?
The Good Food Ireland® Awards are about more than food and drink, they’re about integrity. Every honouree demonstrates:
- Local sourcing and Irish provenance
- Sustainable, responsible business practices
- A deep commitment to hospitality and heritage
- High-quality visitor experiences
- A lasting impact on local economies and communities
These aren’t awards won through popularity, they’re earned through excellence, passion and a long-term commitment to the values that define Ireland’s food culture.
Meet the Judging Panel
Every award is carefully decided by a respected independent judging panel that brings deep insight and impartiality. This year’s panel includes:
- John Wilson, Irish Times wine writer and critic
- Kevin Shhanon, Non-Executive Chairman, Odyssey International DMC
- Tom O’ Connell, Food & Drink Consultant
- Maurice Keller, Retired Chef & Hotelier
- Susan Kerr, Non-Executive Director, Good Food Ireland
- Dr Detta Melia, Consultant & Lecturer School of Hospitality Management, Dublin
- Margaret Jeffares, Founder & CEO of Good Food Ireland®
- Guest judges from across tourism, food sustainability and agri-food sectors
Their expertise ensures that each award reflects not just great food and service, but a meaningful, sustainable contribution to Ireland’s food tourism future.
How the Judging Works
The Awards follow a comprehensive, multi-step selection process:
- Nomination & Application – Businesses within the Good Food Ireland® Collection are shortlisted by the judges and the Good Food Ireland® assessment team, or in the case of the Food Lovers Choice Award, all businesses that feel they align with the brand ethos can enter online or be nominated online by their customers. There is no fee for anyone to enter.
- Rigorous Evaluation – Anonymous visits and inspections evaluate each business’s alignment with brand values including local sourcing, authenticity, sustainability and overall experience.
- Panel Review – Judges assess shortlisted businesses based on real-world performance, not just applications or appearances.
- Public Voting – For the Food Lovers Choice Award, the public plays a vital role through both nominations and final voting.
Backed by FBD Insurance – A Shared Commitment
For the second year running, FBD Insurance is the Official Sponsor of the Good Food Ireland® Awards. With deep roots in Ireland’s farming and rural communities, FBD shares a commitment to sustaining the very businesses these awards honour.
“FBD is proud to support the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025. We believe in the
power of local food, rural enterprise and the people who work every day to make Ireland’s food culture world-class” says Group CEO, Tomás O’Midheach.
power of local food, rural enterprise and the people who work every day to make Ireland’s food culture world-class” says Group CEO, Tomás O’Midheach.
This continued partnership reflects a shared mission to drive sustainable rural success and support businesses, North and South, from the ground up.
The Gala: A Night to Remember
Winners will be announced at the Good Food Ireland® Awards Gala Ceremony on Monday night, 10 November 2025, at the renowned K Club, Co. Kildare.
Key Dates:
- Entries Open/Public Nominations (Food Lovers Choice): June 23 – July 28, 2025
- Public Voting (Food Lovers Choice): September 1 – 15, 2025
- Awards Gala: November 10, 2025 | The K Club, Co. Kildare
