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Celebrating Excellence
The Cork Company of the Year Awards are made possible through support of sponsor Vodafone Ireland and media partnership with Irish Examiner.
The Cork business community gathered in City Hall for one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards 2025. The awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that drive economic growth and innovation in the region, recognising their innovation, resilience and success.
Taking home the coveted Overall Cork Company of the Year title was Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, a company that has played a pivotal role in global healthcare while reinforcing Cork’s position as a hub for life sciences. Marking its 20th anniversary in Cork, the company continues to lead in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, specialising in life-changing medicines for immunology and oncology patients. With a workforce of 1,200 employees in Ringaskiddy, the company has demonstrated outstanding commitment to innovation, sustainability and talent development.
Celebrating business success
The awards, proudly sponsored by Vodafone Ireland and media partner The Irish Examiner, honoured four outstanding businesses across different categories:
• Emerging Category Winner: Ground Wellbeing. A company redefining wellness with its holistic, sustainable approach to self-care.
• SME Category Winner: National Beauty Distribution. A leader in delivering premium beauty brands to professionals across Ireland.
• Large Business Category Winner: Keohane Seafoods. A family-run seafood business making waves in the international market.
• International Category & Overall Winner: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine – A global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing with a strong Cork presence.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Winners
Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, commended this year’s winners stating, “The Cork Company of the Year Awards continue to highlight the extraordinary talent, innovation and resilience within our business community. Each of our winners represents the very best of Cork’s entrepreneurial spirit, making a tangible impact on our economy and beyond.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s role in shaping the local and global pharmaceutical industry, “Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and patient care has played a key role in solidified Cork’s status as a centre of excellence in life sciences. We are delighted to celebrate their remarkable journey and those of all our winners.”
“The strength of Cork’s business community lies in its diversity. From dynamic start-ups and scaling SMEs to long-established indigenous firms and leading multinationals, each plays a vital role in our thriving economic ecosystem. This rich tapestry of business types, stages and sectors is what sets Cork apart and drives our continued growth and success. We are proud to champion a region where enterprise of every kind is supported, nurtured and celebrated.”
A testament to Cork’s thriving business landscape
Accepting the award, Dana Daneshvari, General Manager of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, reflected on the company’s journey, “We are incredibly honoured to be named the overall winner of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2025, particularly as we celebrate 20 years in Cork. Our success is driven by an exceptional team, both past and present, whose dedication and expertise have made our site a centre of excellence in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. We remain committed to innovation, sustainability and improving patients’ lives worldwide.”
Sinéad Scully, Head of Enterprise Customer at Vodafone Ireland, commended the winners, “Vodafone Ireland is proud to support the Cork Company of the Year Awards, recognising the . businesses that drive regional economic growth.
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, alongside all our category winners, exemplifies the excellence that defines Cork’s business community. Congratulations to all!”
Cork: A world-class hub for business
The Cork Company of the Year Awards continue to highlight the extraordinary ambition and achievements of Cork-based businesses. As these enterprises flourish, they reinforce Cork’s reputation as a world-class centre for industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Congratulations to all the winners of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2025, businesses that are not just succeeding but setting new benchmarks for excellence!
