Mourne Dew Distillery wins IFWG award 

While celebrating the best of Irish food and drink, Paula McIntyre, chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, highlights the growing threat of greenwashing in the industry, calling on consumers and regulatory bodies to be more vigilant against misleading sustainability claims

Now in their 32nd year, the winners of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards were announced today. 

Mourne Dew Distillery was singled out for one of just eight awards presented this year by the Irish Food Writers’ Guild for its Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur which combines rich, nutty flavors with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and cream, offering a smooth, innovative twist on traditional poitín. 

The IFWG recognised its exceptional quality and said it’s a standout among Mourne Dew’s renowned range of spirits.

With no applications or submissions allowed, all eight winners were chosen based solely on quality, integrity, and commitment to genuine sustainable practices.

“When sustainability is merely used as a marketing tactic, consumers are misled, and the credibility and reputation of true sustainable producers is undermined,” said Paula McIntyre, chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild (IFWG), who was speaking this week at the presentation of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards, which saw Co. Down’s Mourne Dew Distillery presented with an award for its Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur.

“Greenwashing has infiltrated the food and drinks sector in ways many of us don’t even realise,” Ms McIntyre continued. 

“Offending brands use vague buzzwords, deceptive green packaging, and even dubious certifications to take advantage of consumers’ efforts to shop and eat more sustainably – without making any real environmental impact. 

“Meanwhile, truly sustainable Irish producers work tirelessly to uphold the highest ethical and environmental standards, often without the recognition or support they deserve. For more than three decades the IFWG has been spotlighting many of these outstanding producers, with sustainability a consistent thread linking our annual award winners. And this year is no different,” she said.

The other winners of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards were Sneem Black Pudding from Peter O’ Sullivan Butchers, Co. Kerry; Murphy’s Ice Cream, Co. Kerry and 40 day aged Côte de boeuf from Higgins Family Butcher, Co. Dublin.  The Notable Contribution Award was given to Moy Hill Farm, Co. Clare; The Environmental Award was won by Master Chefs Ellan Farm, Co. Limerick and the Community Food Award was won by Irish Seed Savers Association, Co. Clare. Finally the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Jane and Louis Grubb of Cashel Blue, Co. Tipperary.