Attending the Irish Quality Food Awards 2025 as a judge and media sponsor was a true privilege and an energising experience, hosted in the historic Mansion House’s Round Room, and expertly MC’ed by Cork-born comedian Keith Farnan. The venue’s grandeur perfectly matched the night’s sense of occasion, as Ireland’s most innovative food and drink producers gathered to celebrate excellence.
Why the IQFA Matters
The judging system at IQFA is a powerful commercial endorsement—products are evaluated holistically, with taste, packaging, branding, value, and Irish provenance all in the spotlight. Every aspect influences commercial success and trade potential, mirroring the comprehensive approach to quality that drives industry growth. As a commercial partner, supporting trade development starts with this accurate benchmarking of a product’s viability and appeal in local and global markets.
Shortlisting and winning means rigorous scrutiny: over 100 independent experts spent two weeks at Leopardstown Racecourse reviewing entries, and the resulting logo is more than a badge—it’s a sales asset, opening doors to retail, expanding consumer trust, and pushing own-label innovation forward. Small producers truly stood out this year, with 144 entrants; many will now accelerate toward national and global listings thanks to their achievement.
Event Highlights & Networking
The buzz in the Round Room last Wednesday was undeniable—a vibrant celebration in black-tie finery, with producers, brands, and Ireland’s food network connecting and collaborating. The event welcomed both familiar faces and new connections, sparking fresh podcast conversations and broader engagement for Irish food’s future.
Supporting small producers
2025 Gold Winners: All Year Round & Foodservice
All Year Round Gold Winners
- Aldi Kavanagh’s Double Oat Granola
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Wagyu Striploin Steak, ABP Cahir
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Ultimate Beef Burger, ABP Cahir
- Ór Real Irish Butter, North Cork Creameries
- Ór Real Irish Unsalted Butter, North Cork Creameries
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Vintage Cheddar 24M Matured
- Lidl Deluxe French Roquefort
- Lidl Deluxe Irish Milk & Mint Crisp Chocolate Bar
- Olive’s Seoul Food Original Sauce
- Keogh’s Ghost Chilli & Sour Cream Potato Crisps
- O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt Crisps
- Hometown Taste Foods Irish Sea Salted Caramel Layered Dessert
- Hometown Taste Foods Lemon & Lime Layered Dessert
- Treats by Sylvia Malt Cheesecake
- Lidl Deluxe Corn Fed Free Range Eggs Omega 3 Enriched
- Seafood Suppers by Niall Sabongi Smoked Haddock Lasagne
- Seafood Suppers by Niall Sabongi Thai Style Coconut Cod Red Curry
- Applegreens Pinsa Tonda
- The Daily Apron Everything Bagel
- Lidl Gluten Free Black/White Pudding, Loughnane’s of Galway
- Roll It Pastry All Butter Gluten Free Shortcrust Pastry
- Keelings Irish Strawberries
- Keelings Kol’or Gold Extra Large Pineapple
- Lidl Deluxe Duck Breasts with Garlic & Pepper, Silver Hill Duck
- Lidl Deluxe Fresh Irish Crispy Half Duckling Bone In with Chinese Pancakes & Hoi Sin Sauce, Silver Hill Foods
- Dungarvan Wild Heather Honey
- Holywell Honey Creamed Wildflower Honey
- Olly’s Farm Hot Honey
- TAE TEA Skin Fairy
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Lamb Guard of Honour with Rosemary and Garlic Salt Rub
- Lidl Deluxe Irish Stuffed Carvery Leg of Lamb, Irish Country Meats
- Aldi Colcannon Mash
- Aldi Specially Selected New York Style Pastrami
- Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate White Pudding with Chorizo
- Loughnane’s Premium Black Pudding
- Aldi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Whiskey Marmalade
- Dundarave Lemon and Champagne Marmalade
- Mór Taste 4Berry Preserve
- Aldi Specially Selected Beef Brisket Pie
- Subh Fraoc Ban Mango Chutney
- Lidl Deluxe Irish Corn Fed Whole Chicken, Manor Farm
- Morning Fresh Triple Lettuce Selection
- Aldi Specially Selected Pork & Black Pudding Irish Pork Sausages, Loughnane’s of Galway
- All About Kombucha Organic Raspberry
- Papas Mineral Co Dark Clove Cordial
- Jackson Roze Ginger, Beetroot & Apple Shot
- Lidl Naturis Cold Pressed Turmeric Juice Shot
- Aldi Specially Selected Orange Juice With Bits
- Lidl Naturis Cold Pressed Apple, Mango, Spinach & Avocado
- Lidl Naturis Cold Pressed Apple, Pear & Raspberry Juice
- Lidl Naturis Cold Pressed Orange, Mango & Passionfruit Smoothie
- Lidl Naturis Cold Pressed Strawberry & Banana Smoothie
- Lidl Deluxe Immune Boosting Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Galmere Fresh Foods
- Dr. Coy’s Organic Beef Bouillon
- Dr. Coy’s Organic Chicken Bouillon
- Dr. Coy’s Organic Vegetable Bouillon
- Aldi Specially Selected Salted Caramel Sauce
- Sons of Butchers Cheatballs
- Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt Raspberry & White Chocolate Greek Style Yoghurt
Foodservice Gold Winners
- Long Meadow Cider Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sysco 10oz Certified Dry Aged Irish Hereford Prime Striploin Steak (ABP Cahir)
- Sysco Dry Aged Certified Irish Hereford Prime Mohawk Steak (ABP Cahir)
- Ummera Smoke House Organic Smoked Salmon
A full list of winners can be found at https://irish.qualityfoodawards.com/IQFDA2025/en/page/homepage
Final Thoughts
The Irish Quality Food Awards continue to drive commercial opportunity and industry uplift for Ireland. As a sponsor and judge, supporting this event strengthens collective goals—growth, quality, and a connected food community. Brands recognised here embody the best of Irish provenance and commercial readiness, and the awards remain central to shaping the future of food and drink excellence on the island.
Margaret Dineen