Graham Herterich named Blas na hÉireann Producers' Champion 2026
Irish baker and cookbook author Graham Herterich (aka The Cupcake Bloke) has been named as this year's Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champion 2026.
The Irish Food Awards created this particular award as a way to celebrate those championing the best of everything Irish, independent and sustainable.
The Producers' Champion is selected annually by Blas na hÉireann producers, based on a survey that goes out to the entire Blas network — a network that covers every county in Ireland with producers from all across the food industry.
Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman and Graham Herterich, this year's Blas na hÉireann Producers' Champion. Photo: Allen Kiely
"We are thrilled to announce Graham Herterich as this year's Producers’ Champion," said Artie Clifford, founder and Chairman of Blas na hÉireann.
"His unwavering commitment to local Irish producers, combined with his creativity and deep respect for our food heritage really sets him apart. Graham consistently uses his platform to highlight the people and stories behind Ireland’s exceptional produce, and his passion has had a meaningful impact across the food community.
"With a number of Blas na hÉireann awards already to his name, we are delighted to add Producers’ Champion to that collection!"
Pictured is Graham Herterich. Photo: Allen Kiely
As the owner of both The Bakery in Rialto and Ernie's café in Kildare, Herterich has become known for his inventive take on traditional baking and his passion for sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients.
"All I want to do is scream about how good some of the food producers are in this country," he previously told RTÉ Lifestyle.
Originally from Athy, Co Kildare, his passion for food began in childhood, growing up over the family pork butcher shop and baking with his Granny Flynn before training as a professional chef and later returning to baking as his true calling.
In 2012, after being made redundant, he and his partner (now husband) Daithí Kelleher founded The Cupcake Bloke, starting with a market stall on Coppinger Row and eventually leading to the opening of The Bakery in Rialto in 2018.
Graham Herterich and Artie Clifford. Photo: Allen Kiely
Recently appointed to the advisory council for The Centre for Food Culture Ireland, Graham remains a passionate advocate for Irish food culture.
Speaking on the win, he said: "I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be named this year’s Producers’ Champion at Blas na hÉireann.
"Supporting and championing local producers has always been at the heart of everything I do, from the bakery to my wider work, so this recognition means a huge amount to me.
"Ireland has an incredible network of passionate, talented producers, and it’s a privilege to shine a light on their work and play even a small part in celebrating the quality and creativity of Irish food."
