There were two big Galway winners at the National Organic Awards 2026 celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership across Ireland’s organic food and farming sector.
Connemara based Irish Seaspray / Oileán Mara Teo were crowned the Best Irish Organic Exporter Award for their organic salmon.
Solaris Botanicals, based in Galway City, beat out the competition in the Best Irish Organic Brand Award for their loose leaf tea.
The National Organic Awards, organised by Bord Bia, recognise the producers, farmers, retailers, exporters and food businesses helping to drive the continued growth of organic production in Ireland.
his year’s awards come at a time of strong momentum for the sector. Research from Bord Bia shows that the Irish market for organic produce has experienced significant growth in recent years, with organic market value increasing by 12.5% in 2025 compared with 2024.
Addressing guests at the awards ceremony, Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, congratulated the winners and finalists and acknowledged the contribution of Ireland’s organic sector to the wider agri-food industry.
“The National Organic Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the excellence, innovation and commitment demonstrated across Ireland’s organic sector.”
“The quality of this year’s finalists reflects the continued development of organic farming and food production in Ireland, and the growing opportunities available both at home and in export markets.”
“I would like to congratulate all of today’s winners and finalists for the role they play in strengthening the sector and helping to deliver the ambitions set out in Ireland’s National Organic Strategy.”
Speaking at the event Bord Bia Organic Sector Manager Ryan George said, “The standard of entries received for the National Organic Awards 2026 demonstrates the depth of talent, innovation and commitment that exists throughout Ireland’s organic sector.”
“From farmers and food producers to retailers, exporters and foodservice operators, today’s winners represent the very best of Irish organic food and farming. Their achievements highlight both the quality of Irish organic products and the significant opportunities that exist for future growth.”
The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges following a competitive judging process held at Bord Bia’s Global Hub earlier this month. The judging panel comprised chef and author Lily Higgins, food writer Suzanne Campbell, food consultant Annie Dunne, retail expert John McDonagh, and organic sector expert Colin Keogh.
Award Winners
Best Irish Organic Brand Award
Winner: Solaris Botanicals – Loose Leaf Tea
Best Irish Organic Farmer Award
Winner: Burren Beef & Farm
Best Irish Organic Retailer Award
Winner: Dunnes Stores
Best Irish Organic Exporter Award
Winner: Irish Seaspray / Oileán Mara Teo – Organic Salmon
Best New & Innovative Irish Organic Product Award
Winner: Coghlan’s Artisan Bakers – Rosemary and Olive Oil Foccacia
Best Irish Organic Foodservice & Impact Initiative Award
Winner: Airfield Estate – Education
These categories reflect the evolution of the awards programme, which now recognises excellence across the full organic value chain including farming, retail, branding, export development, innovation and food service. The winners were chosen from a shortlist of leading Irish organic businesses and organisations from across the country.
