Forum a networking opportunity for small and medium-sized food firms

A MOUTH-WATERING networking event will be served up to the people of Cork next week.

Mon, 31 Oct, 2011 - 00:00

Niamh Hennessy

The Cork Food Forum is aimed at small and medium-sized food companies, distributors, retailers, executives in food marketing, manufacturing and technical areas of the food industry.

Minister for agriculture Simon Coveney will open the event — an initiative that was launched by the Cork City and County Enterprise Boards in 2009.

Speakers will include Pauline Browne, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland; Ella McSweeney, RTÉ journalist; and Tadhg O’Donovan, Glenilen Farm sales and marketing manager.

Assistant chief executive at West Cork Enterprise Board Deirdre O’Mahony said: “We’re delighted to have such an excellent line-up of speakers — industry figures who will be able to offer a superb insight into emerging opportunities and challenges within the sector.”

As part of the Cork Food Forum, a group of food entrepreneurs who are in the final stages of the Cork County Enterprise Board’s Advanced Food Development Programme 2011 will showcase their recently- launched product ranges.

Chief executive of South Cork Enterprise Board Seán O’Sullivan said this programme is a progressive training initiative which has focused on providing targeted food business workshops and one-to-one expert mentoring sessions.

“Over a period of six months, the food entrepreneurs from across Cork also participated in trade events and met with retail buyers,” he said. “We’re now preparing to offer the 2012 programme so the Cork Food Forum provides the perfect occasion for emerging food businesses to meet with the 2011 group and discover what products they’ve developed during the programme.”

The Cork Food Finder directory, a publication that aims to boost sales of local produce, will be launched on the night.

* The event takes place on Monday, November 7, from 6pm to 9pm at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. The Cork Food Forum is a free event but advance registration is essential. For more information see: www.wceb.ie.