Rívesci in Clonmel, owned by Declan Malone and Shannon Forrest, was crowned Supreme Champion at Blas na hÉireann 2024 for its Smoked Chilli Oil, celebrated during the event held from October 3 to 5 in Dingle, Co Kerry.
Launched by Shannon Forrest and Michelin-trained chef Declan Malone in September 2019 at Clonmel Applefest, Rívesci transitioned from a food truck in a vintage 1976 caravan to producer of small-batch condiments, emphasizing sustainability and local ingredients.
Following the pandemic, Rívesci shifted its focus to producing condiments that enhance home-cooked meals.
Valentia Island Vermouth, created by Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll, was recognised as Best Artisan Producer, crafting vermouth using foraged herbs and flowers from Valentia Island.
The awards featured over 3,000 entries, showcasing innovation and quality in Irish food and drink.
Artie Clifford, chairperson, Blas na hÉireann, shared: “After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry. “Every year the standard is raised even higher and it’s an honour for myself and the entire Blas team to showcase these exceptional products and the dedicated producers behind them to a national audience.”
- Supreme Champion – Rívesci Smoked Chilli Oil, Clonmel
- Artisan Producer – Valentia Island Vermouth
- Irish Butchers Guild – McCarthys of Kanturk
- New Product – Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt
- Rogha na Gaeltachta Award – All About Kombucha, Gaillimh,
- Seafood innovation – Sligo Oyster experience
- Start Up – Killadoon milk, Celbridge
Provincial awards
- Connacht – Birdhouse, Galway
- Leinster – Killadoon milk, Celbridge
- Munster – Rívesci, Clonmel
- Ulster – Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt
County Awards
- Antrim – Thompson’s Tea
- Armagh – Jackson Roze
- Carlow – Royal Oak Distillery
- Cavan – Cully’s Craft Bakery
- Clare – St. Tola Farmhouse Cheese
- Cork – Follain
- Derry – Vittle Bakeshop
- Donegal – Donegal Rapeseed Oil
- Down – Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt
- Dublin – Fitzers Food
- Fermanagh – Kettyle Irish Foods
- Galway – Birdhouse
- Kerry – Valentia Island Vermouth
- Kildare – Killadoon milk, Celbridge
- Kilkenny – Arán Bakery & bistro
- Laois – Mueller & O’Connell bakery
- Leitrim – Blakes Always Organic Ltd
- Limerick – Tim’s Table
- Longford – Panelto
- Louth – McCloskey’s
- Mayo – O’Hara’s
- Meath – Roll It Pastry
- Monaghan – Silver Hill
- Offaly – Bon Chocolatiers
- Roscommon – Waldron Family Meats
- Sligo – O’ Hehirs Bakery
- Tipperary – Rívesci
- Tyrone – En Place Foods
- Waterford – Viking Irish Drinks
- Westmeath – Bonny Bó
- Wexford – Killowen Farm
- Wicklow – Sussed Nurtion
