Ireland’s leading retailers, importers and restaurateurs recognised at 2026 French Champion Awards
Winners of the French Champions Awards
Ireland’s leading champions of French food and wine were recognised at the 2026 French Champion Awards, held during Délicieux, the French Food & Wine Day, at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin on 9 October.
Ireland’s largest trade gathering dedicated exclusively to French food and wine brought together 33 French producers with buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs and other industry professionals. Organised by Business France, the event gives Irish buyers direct access to producers and new products.
The French Champion Awards celebrate the Irish businesses playing a key role in bringing French food and wine to consumers across Ireland.
Across the six award categories, the 2026 French Champion Award winners are:
- Best Supermarket for French Produce: Dunnes Stores
- Best Delicatessen for French Produce: Fallon & Byrne
- Best Food Importer of French Produce: La Rousse Foods
- Best Wine Shop for French Wines: 64 Wine
- Best Wine Importer of French Wines: Whelehans
- Best Restaurant for French Cuisine: Excuse My French
Pauline Gauthier, head of Agrifood at Business France UK & Ireland, said: “We are deeply grateful to all our partners, whose hard work and commitment help bring the very best of France to consumers across Ireland. Their passion and dedication never go unnoticed, which is why it is so important to recognise and celebrate their contribution.
“It is wonderful to see the growing appetite for French food and drink in Ireland, and the commitment of the businesses and individuals who champion these products and bring them to the attention of Irish consumers.”
Julie Dupouy brought visitors on a tour of curated food and wine pairings
Alongside the awards and trade showcase, the programme offered visitors a closer look at the diversity of French food and wine. Guided Wine Trails led by sommelier Julie Dupouy brought producers’ products to life through a series of curated food and wine pairings, giving attendees a fresh way to discover and experience the range on offer.
