Food & Drink

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Applications for the 2023-2024 Awards are now open!

Why Enter?

Companies who are serious about progressing their business, recognising the efforts of their staff and celebrating their achievements to date should consider entering these awards. Taking part will focus your organisation to think strategically about the future.

Judging Criteria for this category:
This category aims to award outstanding achievement in the food and drink industry recognising the commitment, the excellence and the passion of the people who work in it. To be successful in this category you should demonstrate strong business growth illustrating expansion in local and/or overseas markets, a commitment to market led innovation and a strong marketing strategy built on consumer and customer insight.

Entry Requirements:
Award entrants must comply with the following entry criteria:

  • All small businesses may enter up to a maximum of 50 employees. (This includes staff employed in the company on a fixed-term contract basis in excess of 12 months, and part-time staff who work in excess of 20 hours per week but excluding temporary agency workers).
  • Be in operation at least 2 years in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Not be a branch of another business.
  • Franchises can enter.
  • Businesses/individuals can be nominated by other associated professionals (e.g. professional advisers, training providers, accountants etc.).

Entry Process:
Separate applications must be submitted for each category you wish to enter. Once you start your application, you can save and resume it to complete and submit within 14 days.

All applications will be reviewed by the Judging Panel once the application window has closed and Finalists will then be announced - all applicants will be notified of their status whether or not they are successful.

2024 Prize Package:

All Finalists

  • A comprehensive strategic masterclass weekend sponsored by Skillnet Ireland which will include communications, media and presentation skills training
  • An interview/profile in a specially commissioned Irish Independent Awards Supplement
  • Free participation in SFA Business Connect Event
  • Three complementary tickets to the Gala Awards Ceremony
  • A finalist certificate

Category Winners

  • Award trophy - presented at a Gala Awards Ceremony.
  • One year free membership of the Small Firms Association

Overall Winner

  • The Overall Winner will be presented with a winner trophy at the RDS for the Gala Awards Ceremony on 7 March, 2024