Two Irish food businesses have been announced as finalists for the esteemed EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024. Rosaleen Hyde and Maxine Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods have been named finalists in the International category, with Jack Kirwan of Sprout & Co. as a finalist in the Emerging category.
The competition saw a record-breaking 200 nominations this year, highlighting the increased competitiveness of the award. Finalists cover a wide range of categories, including Emerging, Established, and International. The winners will be revealed at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 gala award ceremony in November, where a Sustainability Award will also be presented to the finalist contributing the most to environmental sustainability.
Roger Wallace, partner lead for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, lauded the finalists as “true trailblazers” leading innovative and inspirational businesses in their respective industries. He commended them for their courage and capacity to push boundaries and create opportunities for their communities.
The judging panel, chaired by Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest, praised the high quality of this year’s nominations and welcomed the finalists into the EOY community, emphasizing the value of their entrepreneurial spirit. Collectively, the 24 finalists generate over €700 million in annual revenues and employ more than 4,000 people.
The finalists represent multiple sectors, showcasing the diversity and talent within the Irish entrepreneurship scene. In the Emerging category, nominees include individuals from Beyond Creative Limited, Ecoplex Energy Solutions, and others. The Established category features individuals from Captured Carbon and Mbryonics Limited. In the International category, finalists include individuals from BNRG Renewables and FIRE1.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme serves as a platform for passionate and courageous individuals who are driving Irish entrepreneurship, and the finalists are a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit of Ireland.
It is truly inspiring to see these businesses and individuals being recognised for their innovative contributions to their industries and local communities. The ceremony in November will undoubtedly be a celebration of their hard work and dedication. Each finalist has a unique story to tell and a bright future ahead of them as they continue to shape the landscape of Irish entrepreneurship.