GS1 Ireland Blog

Blas na hÉireann 2026 – Celebrating Ireland's Food & Drink Community

Written by Cathy Browne | Oct 8, 2026, 12:06:05 PM

 

Another Blas na hÉireann has come to a close, and what a fantastic weekend it was.

From established brands to emerging producers, Blas 2026 once again showcased the passion, innovation and commitment to quality that define Ireland's food and drink industry. The event brought together producers, retailers, industry experts and service providers from across the country to celebrate excellence and explore opportunities for the future.

Thank You for Visiting GS1 Ireland

As a proud sponsor of Blas na hÉireann, GS1 Ireland was delighted to be part of this year's event.

Our team enjoyed meeting producers from every corner of the country, hearing their stories, learning about their products and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. It was particularly encouraging to see the enthusiasm and interest in the future of product identification, consumer engagement and digital product experiences.

Visitors to the GS1 Ireland stand had the opportunity to:

  • Learn about QR Codes Powered by GS1
  • Explore the newly launched QR4More Hub
  • Discuss retail readiness and future industry developments
  • Share their experiences and insights as Irish producers
  • Pick up a GS1 Ireland tote bag and trolley token

The Future is Powered by QR Codes

One of the key themes throughout the weekend was the growing momentum behind QR Codes Powered by GS1.

As retailers, brands and consumers increasingly seek access to richer product information, the next generation of barcodes is creating new opportunities for businesses to connect with customers, share trusted information and support transparency throughout the supply chain.

Many of the conversations at Blas highlighted the importance of preparing for this transition now and taking practical steps to understand how QR Codes Powered by GS1 can support future growth.

Introducing the QR4More Hub

Blas also provided a fantastic opportunity to introduce producers to the QR4More Hub.

The Hub has been designed to support businesses at every stage of their QR journey, offering practical guidance, industry insights, resources and tools to help organisations understand and prepare for QR Codes Powered by GS1.

Whether you're just beginning to explore the opportunities or you're already considering implementation, the Hub provides a central place to learn, plan and take action. Join the waitlist below:

Looking Ahead

Blas na hÉireann continues to demonstrate the strength, creativity and resilience of Ireland's food and drink community. We are proud to support the industry and look forward to continuing the conversations that began at Blas.

If you'd like to learn more about QR Codes Powered by GS1 or discuss how your business can prepare for the future, explore the QR4More Hub or get in touch with the GS1 Ireland team.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello. We look forward to seeing you again next year.