West Waterford artisan chocolate producer CocoabyJudit has been named a finalist in the Food category of the Irish Country Magazine Irish Made Awards 2026, a national celebration of Irish-made products, creativity and craftsmanship.
Based in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, CocoabyJudit is a small family-run business producing premium artisan chocolates in small batches. Founded by chocolatier Judit McNally, the business places a strong emphasis on quality, provenance and collaboration, incorporating ingredients from Waterford and other Irish artisan producers wherever possible.
The national recognition comes during an exciting period of growth for CocoabyJudit, as the business continues to develop its retail, corporate gifting and food tourism markets while remaining firmly rooted in West Waterford.
Local provenance is central to the CocoabyJudit story, with ingredients and collaborations including Waterford butter, seaweed, locally grown berries and Irish spirits. The business has also worked with Waterford artist Brigid Shelly, whose distinctive artwork features on selected CocoabyJudit packaging.
The Irish Made Awards finalist announcement adds to a growing list of national recognition for CocoabyJudit and provides another opportunity to showcase the quality and creativity of artisan food being produced in County Waterford.
Judit McNally, founder and chocolatier at CocoabyJudit, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be selected as a finalist in the Food category. Being an Irish-made business is at the heart of what we do, so this recognition means a great deal to us.
“We are particularly proud to make our chocolates here in West Waterford and to work with other local producers and creatives wherever possible. As a small business, the support we receive from our customers, fellow businesses and the wider Waterford community has been hugely important as we continue to grow.
“We would love to see Waterford get behind us in the public vote and help us bring this national award home to the county.”
CocoabyJudit products are available through a growing number of premium Waterford destinations, including House of Waterford Crystal, Ardkeen Quality Food Store and Mount Congreve Gardens, as well as directly online.
Waterford — we need your vote!
The Irish Made Awards include a public vote, and CocoabyJudit is asking fellow Waterford businesses, customers, friends and supporters of Irish artisan food to get behind the West Waterford business.
Vote for CocoabyJudit in the FOOD category:
https://irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote/
Every vote is an opportunity to put a small West Waterford business — and Waterford's thriving artisan food sector — on the national stage.
