Training programme to benefit up to 350 small food businesses

Up to 350 small food businesses will benefit from Food Academy Start, a new training programme launched by Bord Bia, SuperValu and the County Enterprise Boards.

The initiative will provide a consistent level of food marketing knowledge to new and early-stage food business owners. Participants will have access to a standardised programme of supports throughout the country.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said: “Food Academy Start is a unique opportunity for ambitious food entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses. Small food businesses play an important part in Ireland’s agri-food sector by enhancing our reputation for dynamic, sustainable, and quality food, as well as providing employment and revenues of €475m per annum.”

The initiative is targeted at start-up food businesses and current County Enterprise Board clients. Participants will be guided from start-up to their first retail listing.

It will involve workshop training, designed by Bord Bia and SuperValu. SuperValu will offer retail expertise and guidance on developing a route to market.

The workshops will roll out from September at intermittent stages of the year. These will be run by 35 County Enterprise Boards, with local SuperValu retailers in each of the regions participating in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch process.

The intensive workshops will provide companies with long-term business supports including consumer insight, technical advice, resource planning, commercial advice and marketing development.

The output has a core commercial focus whereby all participants will have the opportunity to pitch their product or idea to their local SuperValu, with a view to securing an initial local listing and the potential to build from there.

A suite of follow-up supports will be designed by Bord Bia under the Food Academy banner to ensure the continued development of the companies.