The SMEs shortlisted for the Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards

In the second of a four-part series looking at the finalists for the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026, we profile the contenders in the SME category

Barra Sweetnam of Allfresh Wholesale. The company has saved 1m plastic packs by going loose on produce.

Innovation key as star continues to rise for Réalta Technologies

Digital consultancy, solutions, and services company Réalta Technologies continues to rise, as it targets global growth from its Cork base.

Réalta Technologies specialises in automation, process optimisation, data intelligence, and data-driven solutions across pharma, biopharma, medtech, fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturing, and professional sports.

Abán O'Riordan of Réalta Technologies.

The company was founded as Sullane Automation in 2017, by Abán O’Riordan, and was later rebranded. Mr O’Riordan is a specialist in electrical and automation projects, and manages Réalta’s engineers and projects. Mr O’Riordan was joined as a director by Dan Moore in 2020. Mr Moore is responsible for the digital solutions team.

Clients include multinational companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, MSD, Janssen, and Pfizer. “Réalta plays a key role in Ireland’s FDI ecosystem, supporting leading multinational and FDI-backed organisations and helping ensure Ireland remains a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing and digital innovation,” said Mr Moore.

Munster Rugby is another client, with Réalta its digital solutions partner.

In 2023, the company transitioned from being fully virtual to establishing its headquarters at Westpoint Business Centre in Ballincollig.

Réalta says sustainability is central to delivering value to clients. “We recognise the need to reduce environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, and support more sustainable industrial practices across the sectors we serve,” said Mr Moore. “Our services in automation, process optimisation, and data analytics directly support clients’ sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and increasing efficiency.

“Innovation remains at the heart of our strategy. We are embracing artificial intelligence, integrating it into existing solutions to enhance functionality and create greater value.”

In 2025, Réalta was awarded AVEVA Endorsed System Integrator status, a valued industry recognition that helps provide customers with objective quantitative means for measuring the skills of a solution provider.

Since its formation almost a decade ago, Réalta Technologies has always been agile. Global expansion is key to the company’s strategy, following the establishment of Réalta Technologies LLC in the US in 2024, which started trading in 2025. The company now has 66 employees.

“We will continue to scale our presence across North America, Europe, and emerging markets. We are also growing our engineering teams in India, Ghana, and mainland Europe to strengthen our global delivery model and provide 24/7 client support,” said Mr Moore.

“We are enhancing our service offering by diversifying the technologies we work with, increasing project size and complexity, and expanding into new regions. A major focus is the development of software engineering capabilities, allowing us to deliver bespoke, customer-specific solutions. We also plan to package some of our niche expertise into standalone products.”

Keohane Readymix building on decades of service in construction

From solid foundations in West Cork, Keohane Readymix has developed into one of the leading suppliers in the construction material sector.

Eibhlin and Michael Keohane of Keohane Readymix.

Founded in West Cork in 1979 by the late Paddy Keohane, the company designs, manufactures, and supplies construction materials, including readymix concrete mixes for construction uses, concrete blocks, aggregates, sand, and gravel.

The company was initially established to service the farming community in West Cork. That remains an important market for the company Keohanes but it has expanded to supplying homeowners builders, and civil construction property developments right across the county.

Paddy died in 2002 but the business is now operated by his son Michael and his daughter Eibhlin, who have continued his work and ideals, with extended family members holding board and key senior management positions.

“As a proud Cork independent family-owned and run business, we consider it a huge honour to be chosen as a finalist of the Cork Chamber SME Company of the Year Awards 2026,” says Michael Keohane.

Eibhlín said it is recognition of the “commitment and drive of the entire Keohane Readymix team, the loyalty of long-standing customers and suppliers plus the support of the communities in which we live and work. Together, they’ve all contributed to the growth and success of our business.”

Founder Paddy helped establish the Independent Concrete Manufacturers Association (ICMA) in 1994 to raise standards in the industry in Ireland. In 2026, achieved IS EN 206 accreditation, a European standard for concrete. In 2024, Keohane Readymix became a member of Guaranteed Irish.

Over the past three years, Keohane Readymix has invested in plant, equipment, and technology. Developments include Terex and CDE washing and crushing systems, a Liebherr concrete production plant, and a fleet upgrade with Euro 6 low-emission trucks. The company launched a pilot programme to power the Euro 6 fleet with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Keohane Readymix says it is committed to lower carbon construction. The company’s readymix concrete uses ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), which has a lower carbon footprint. “Our environmental management system ensures we exceed compliance standards and pursue ongoing improvement,” the company said.

In the past year, the company undertook a restoration project at its Mawbeg East quarry, while an initiative to improve water quality along the Bandon River through bioengineered erosion control was nominated for a UEPG (European Aggregates) Sustainable Development Award.

Keohane Readymix has expanded from four to six quarries across Cork - at Ballygurteen, Innishannon, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Kilmichael, and Rosscarbery. New initiatives include the launch of a precast concrete range.

The company says it aims to “constantly improve standards through innovative cutting-edge technologies, maintaining at all times a commitment to employees, and community.

‘Naked’ campaign bears fruit for Allfresh with 1m plastic packs saved

The team at fruit and vegetable wholesaler Allfresh made a big decision in 2025 to go ‘naked’ with their produce.

In 2025, Allfresh Wholesale, based in Little Island in East Cork, introduced the campaign with the aim of eliminating the use of plastic packaging in its fruit and vegetables. In the past 12 months, the company has saved 1m plastic packs by going loose on produce.

Barra Sweetnam of Allfresh Wholesale. The company has saved 1m plastic packs by going loose on produce.

Managing director Barra Sweetnam said: “As a fruit and vegetable wholesaler, we are acutely aware of the environmental impacts of our business, from sourcing, packaging, transport, and waste management.

“We have been pioneers in sustainability in recent years, working closely with our customers to reduce carbon footprints and to implement substantial plastic-free solutions.”

Allfresh Wholesale is family owned and was established in 1995. Today it has a team of 43 employees.

Mr Sweetnam said: “We’re delighted to be selected as a finalist in the Cork Chamber SME Company of the Year Awards 2026. It’s a wonderful acknowledgment of our team’s hard work and dedication.”

Allfresh Wholesale supplies premium fresh produce with a focus on quality, service, and sustainability. Its facilities in Little Island cover 2,300sq m, and hundreds of tonnes of goods pass through the company’s fridges every year. The company delivers to customers primarily across Cork and Kerry.

Mr Sweetnam said: “We specialise in providing both fruit and vegetables, as well as a wide range of non-fruit and veg lines, including sauces, bouillons, oils, juices, and eggs. Our mission is to reliably delivery fresh and diverse products to restaurants, hospitality, and food service businesses.”

Allfresh sourced up to 32.5% of its products in Munster and 56% in Ireland in 2024/2025. The aim for 2026 is to grow this further, especially in categories like chillies, cucumbers, and apples.

In 2025, the company took “a dramatic and bold step” to move from 50% to 100% Irish chipping potatoes, facilitated by a partnership with a local potato grower. It now sources 48% of its large onions from a local grower in Kilbrin, Co Cork.

In 2023, the company installed 90 rooftop solar panels. This helped to achieve 31% total energy use from renewable sources over two years. Around 10% of the energy produced from the panels is returned to the grid. Using electric forklifts has helped to reduce the company’s carbon emissions, as has the introduction of a HVO-powered van.

Allfresh was shortlisted in the 2025 shortlist for best energy achievement in fast moving consumer goods from the Business Energy Achievement Awards 2025.

This year, the company aims to expand the “naked produce” list and encourage customers to choose these options: “As a smaller company, we maintain close connections with our customers, giving us the opportunity to encourage a shift to plastic-free choices.

“We are confident that our efforts can shape customer behaviour, and drive the growing demand for plastic-free produce.”