Bord Bia is calling on the Irish organic sector to submit their entries for the National Organic Awards, taking place on Thursday, September 24th 2026.
The National Organic Awards celebrate the achievements of Irish organic food and drink producers and is held every two years in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The 2026 National Organic Awards will take place on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 in the Bord Bia Global Hub in Dublin. This event aims to recognise developments within the organic sector across seven key categories, judged by a panel of experts.
The winners will be announced at an award ceremony that celebrates the best of organic food from Ireland. Judging will take place in the Bord Bia Global Hub on the 3rd September 2026.
Full list of awards can be found below:
Best Irish Organic Brand Award: To include Irish organic branded food and drink brands that are currently available for sale in Ireland through retail, speciality, foodservice or direct-to-consumer channels. Judging criteria will include organic brand story and authenticity, brand positioning and differentiation, evidence of market opportunity and traction, quality of packaging and brand communication, and relevance to evolving consumer needs and trends.
Best Irish Organic Farmer Award (Male and Female): To recognise Irish organic farmers who demonstrate excellence in organic farming practices and act as positive ambassadors for the organic sector. Judging criteria will include commitment to organic principles, on-farm stewardship (including biodiversity and soil health), animal welfare (where relevant), innovation and continuous improvement, overall farm performance and resilience, and contribution to the local community and wider organic sector.
Best Irish Organic Retailer Award: To include Irish retailers (independent or multiple, in-store and/or online) who demonstrate a clear commitment to growing and championing organic. Judging criteria will include breadth and quality of organic range, product availability and accessibility, merchandising and supplier experience, support of Irish organic producers and supply chains, staff knowledge and customer education, and effectiveness of organic promotion and communications.
Best Irish Organic Exporter Award: To recognise Irish organic businesses that are successfully developing export markets for Irish organic products. Judging criteria will include export strategy and opportunity identification, evidence of export performance and growth, route-to-market and partner capability, product/packaging and brand adaptability for export, compliance and market readiness, and effectiveness in overcoming export challenges.
Best New & Innovative Irish Organic Product Award: Open to new Irish organic products and/or packaging innovations launched since October 2024. Judging criteria will include insight-led innovation, distinctiveness of product or packaging, consumer relevance, evidence of market success or strong commercial potential, and the quality of branding, packaging and communications.
Best Irish Organic Foodservice & Impact Initiative Award: To include foodservice operators and/or initiatives that champion Irish organic and deliver meaningful impact through how organic is sourced, served and promoted. Judging criteria will include depth of commitment to organic sourcing, quality and consistency of execution, supplier and producer collaboration, customer engagement and communication, and evidence of measurable impact (e.g., education, behaviour change, waste reduction, community benefit, or other demonstrable outcomes).
Key Dates:
July 17th: Closing date for applications
3rd September: Shortlisted tastings & judging at the Bord Bia Global Hub Dublin
8th/9th September: Photoshoot for shortlisted submissions
24th September: Award Ceremony
17th October: Award Ceremony