TWO Donegal producers are celebrating successes from the largest food awards ceremony in the country.
Convoy firm Green Pastures and its sister company Natural Dairies scooped top prizes at the recent Blas na hÉireann ceremony in Dingle, Co Kerry.
Green Pastures specialises in Irish cultured dairy products while Natural Dairies makes fresh milk, cream and buttermilk.
Together, they won four medals at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards..
Former Blas na hÉireann supreme champion Green Pastures won gold for its 28 per cent full fat soft cheese and bronze for its mascarpone.
Natural Dairies continued its impressive record at the awards, winning gold for its fresh Irish whole milk for the second consecutive year.
It also won bronze for its delicious whipped cream.
Its products are available in Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi, and Marks and Spencer.
The team behind the success at Green Pastures Donegal Creamery and Natural Dairies.
MORE THAN 3,000 ENTRIES
The two Donegal companies were among producers from every county on the island of Ireland which competed with more than 3,000 entries, according to organisers.
They say that Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasting food awards programme in the country.
A spokesperson said: “Products are assessed by judges drawn from a wide range of food backgrounds, including chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, food champions, caterers and home cooks.
“Green Pastures was founded in Sligo in 1983 by former veterinarian John Molloy before relocating to Convoy, Co Donegal, in 1988.
“Today, Green Pastures Donegal and Natural Dairies share the same creamery in Convoy and are owned and managed by his son John D Molloy.”
GREAT PRIDE
John said: “When you see our staff standing together outside the creamery, that’s what these awards are really about.
“An award might have the name of one product on it, but there are a great many people behind that product.”
He added: “To have products from both Green Pastures Donegal and Natural Dairies recognised at Blas na hÉireann is something everyone involved can take great pride in.
“Ireland has, in my view, the best dairy in the world, so winning in the face of such tough competition is incredibly fulfilling.
“It shows that quality milk, good people and taking care over the product remain key.”
The Blas success follows another exceptional awards season for Green Pastures Donegal.
Earlier this year, its 25 per cent sour cream secured a Golden Fork award at the Great Taste Awards 2026 for the second consecutive year.
A total of 15 Green Pastures products received Great Taste Stars.