The Tipperary duo behind Rívesci has been crowned as 'supreme champion' at Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish food awards, for their smoked chilli oil.

A previous finalist and gold medal winner at the awards, Rívesci was founded by Shannon Forrest and Michelin-trained chef Declan Malone, and specialises in small-batch, hand-crafted condiments.

Products from across Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like 'supreme champion' and 'best artisan producer'. Over 3,000 entries were judged this year.

Rívesci started as a food truck offering cooked-from-scratch dishes from their vintage 1976 caravan before lockdown forced the company to pivot their business into full-time condiment makers.

The duo pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients to create products including its vibrant and flavourful relishes and sauces, according to Blas na hÉireann.

Speaking after the announcement in Dingle, Co. Kerry, Malone said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to be named supreme champion at the Irish Food Awards.

"To be acknowledged among so many talented producers across Ireland is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud to represent the very best of Irish food and drink," Forrest added.

Valentia Island Vermouth, a craft vermouth company founded by Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll on Valentia Island, off the coast of Co. Kerry, was announced as best artisan producer at this year's awards.

Inspired by the island's unique flora, fauna and natural beauty, the wife-and-wife team set out to create Ireland's first vermouth, according to Blas na hÉireann.

Valentia Island Vermouth uses foraged herbs, flowers and fruits from the island’s rich landscape to craft a distinctive, artisanal product that reflects the essence of its surroundings.

Orla, whose father was a beekeeper from Co. Kerry, visited Valentia as a child, and it was there she learnt about the local plants and making of vermouth through her father’s knowledge.

Speaking after the announcement at Blas na hÉireann 2024, Anna Snook O'Carroll said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be named best artisan producer at Blas.

"After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry," Blas na hÉireann chair, Artie Clifford said announcing the winners.

"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," he said.

Meanwhile, producers of SuperValu took home a total of 102 Blas na hÉireann 2024 awards, comprising 29 gold, 21 silver, 32 bronze, and 38 awards for its 'signature tastes' and own-brand range.

Included in the gold award line up at this year's awards was SuperValu signature tastes sweet tomato and chilli chutney produced by Folláin situated in west Cork.

Folláin took home one gold and two bronze awards and specialises in fresh-fruit preserves, marmalades, jams, relishes, salsas, and chutneys, according to SuperValu.

SuperValu Food Academy producers won 64 awards, including Rívesci as supreme champion and Valentia Island Vermouth for best artisan producer, and ‘best start-up‘ for Killadoon Milk from Co. Kildare.

Food Academy producers also won three 'chef's larders' for Coole Farm’s mixed leaves, Clonmore Farm’s spinach leaves, and Roll-It Pastry’s puff pastry. Baska Bakery from Co. Meath won gold for its organic white country sourdough.

Tesco Ireland won 63 awards across several medal classes, including beef, lamb, bacon, sausages, poultry, cured meats, seafood products, soups, dairy, cheese, breakfast cereal and preserves categories. 

The retailer was awarded 21 gold medals including for Tesco lamb rack with a mushroom and herb crumb, Tesco Finest poultry gravy, and Tesco Finest honey and Irish whiskey ham glaze, as well as 25 silver and 17 bronze medals.