Athlone-based The Irish Craft Soda Co. named as Blas na hÉireann finalist

Athlone based The Irish Craft Soda Co. is one of five producers from County Westmeath who have been announced as finalists at Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards 2025, taking place in Dingle, County Kerry, from October 1-4.

The inspiration of Dead Centre Brewing founder Liam Tutty, The Irish Craft Soda Co. drinks range are crafted from natural ingredients and available in five different flavours, lemonade, ginger ale, orange soda, rock shandy and cherry soda.

Fellow finalists from the county who have been shortlisted from a range of categories, are are Greene's Free Range Eggs, Quality Irish Food T/A Mr Crumb, Red Rooster Coffee and Sugar Plum Sweetery.

Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise LEO Westmeath, praised the Westmeath entrants saying their recognition as a finalist is a "significant achievement".

"Your selection as a finalist is a testament to the quality, innovation and dedication that go into producing Ireland's outstanding food and drink products.

"The Blas na hÉireann Awards are recognised as the highest accolade in the Irish food industry, and reaching the finalist stage reflects excellence, resilience and a commitment to the very best of Irish produce.

"We wish all our finalists the very best of luck. We are very proud of our food businesses in Westmeath," Ms Charlton said.

Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part.

The awards will be announced on Friday, October 2.