The Food Awards were launched in 1993 to highlight the work of small, independent Irish food producers and organisations of the highest quality
The Irish Food Writers’ Guild has announced the recipients of its 2026 Food Awards, recognising excellence, sustainability, community and outstanding contribution across Ireland’s food and drink sector.
The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Ananda at Dundrum Town Centre, as invited producers, chefs, food writers and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the very best of Irish food.
Reflecting on the Guild’s history, Chairperson Paula McIntyre noted that the awards were launched in 1993 to highlight the work of small, independent Irish food producers and organisations of the highest quality.
“More than 30 years later, we’re proud to celebrate the food and drinks that are the cornerstones of Ireland’s reputation as a provider of wholesome, innovative and sustainable food” .
She emphasised the independence of the judging process, stating that the Guild prides itself “on the integrity of the awards through our unique nomination and judging process, with members remaining the sole nominating and decision making body“. Describing this year’s winners, she said,
“The IFWG Food Awards are a celebration of this country’s thriving, world-class artisan food and drink industry… The award winners this year exemplify our ethos” She added, “Emigration and immigration is how we evolve and long may we welcome, adapt and cherish food from other nations – it only makes us stronger.”
2026 Award Winners
Community Food Award
- Duhallow Community Food Services, honoured for its vital work in strengthening local food networks and supporting community wellbeing.
Environmental Award
- Lúnasa Farm, recognised for its dedication to regenerative agriculture and responsible environmental practises.
Irish Drink Award – Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Fierce Mild, celebrated for producing an innovative and flavour driven non-alchoholic beer of exceptional quality.
Contribution to Irish Food Award
- Gary Harty of Galway Gourmet Oysters, acknowledged for his significant impact in championing Irish oysters and promoting Irish seafood at home and abroad.
Irish Food Awards
- Moyletra Moileds – Irish Moiled Beef, awarded for excellence in producing premium heritage Irish Moiled beef.
- The Curly Pigs – Ór Bán Whipped Lard, recognised for craftsmanship and for reimagining a traditional Irish ingredient with care and quality.
- Coolattin Cheddar by Tom Burgess, honoured for outstanding cheesemaking and contribution to Ireland’s artisan dairy sector.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Hilda Crampton and Dominic Quinn, Castleruddery Organic Farm, presented in recognition of their lifelong dedication to organic farming and their enduring influence on sustainable food production in Ireland.
In keeping with Guild tradition, guests enjoyed a bespoke lunch created by Ananda led by Chef Sunaraj Kuttappan Thadiyil, that showcased the winning products throughout the menu, with impeccable service by Manager Anand Priyardarshi’s front of house team.
Paula McIntyre also thanked Bord Bia for its continued support of the awards, and expressed appreciation to Asheesh Dewan and Rupa Dewan and the team at Ananda for hosting. Paula also acknowledged Whelehan’s Wines for their generous sponsorship and thanked Presence Plus for PR support, Guild secretary Katia Valadeau for her work behind the scenes, photographer Paul Sherwood for showcasing the winners so beautifully, and Guild members for nominating and championing outstanding Irish food and drink .
The Guild extends warm congratulations to all of this year’s winners and looks forward to continuing its work in championing excellence, integrity and innovation in Irish food and drink. https://www.irishfoodwritersguild.ie/
Photos: Paul Sherwood
