Listowel Food Fair Awards

The Listowel Food Fair Awards are eagerly anticipated annually. These awards recognize outstanding achievements among Irish food producers, writers, and Food Industry innovators. The Listowel Food Fair Awards are traditionally presented annually during a Gala Awards Banquet at the Listowel Arms Hotel during the festival each year.

The 2026 Listowel Food Fair Award categories are as follows:

• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring individuals who have made an outstanding, lifelong impact on the Irish food industry.
• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Local Food Hero Award: Celebrating community champions who elevate regional food culture.
• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Best Emerging Artisan Food Producer Award: Supported by Kerry Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to showcase up-and-coming culinary talents.
• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Apprentice Chef of the Year Award: Kerry Post Primary Schools in association with MTU.
• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Food Influencer & Digital Storyteller of the Year Award: Honouring standout digital creators and food writers.
• 2026 Listowel Food Fair Food Book of the Year Award: Recognizing excellence in traditional food literature.

Celebrity Chef, Food Author, TV Personality and Managing Director of Dunbrody Country House, Kevin Dundon was the recipient of the 2025 Listowel Food Fair ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.