Cork-founded Sibly Food Co to launch in Dunnes Stores

Since its founding, the North Cork company says it has built a customer base across more than 650 sellers

Matthew Collins, Sibly Food Co

Growing Cork food brand Sibly is continuing to expand its operations with the launch of its products at Dunnes Stores locations nationwide this week.

Founded in North Cork in 2018, Sibly has undergone significant commercial growth since starting out at a market stall in Kanturk.

Established by now 29-year-old ex-teacher Matthew Collins, the business has scaled quickly into a high-volume producer in just a few years.

Initially producing 50 handmade energy balls per week for a local café, the company is now on track to exceed 4m units annually in 2026. 

The company's key products include energy balls and a range of baked goods — including brownies, banana bread, flapjacks, and macaroons.

Sibly said the Dunnes Stores listing represents a major step in the company's retail expansion strategy, significantly increasing its national footprint and consumer reach. 

Retail expansion

Since launching, the brand has built a diverse customer base across more than 650 stockists, ranging from independent cafés to international retail chains.

Speaking on the new retail partnership, Mr Collins said it reflects both sustained demand and strong retailer relationships developed over recent years.

“We’re on cloud nine. We have been supported by so many retailers since 2021 - from independent stores to international chains over the past few years - and it is something I am extremely grateful for.”

In 2024, Sibly signed a 12-month deal, worth €1m, with Aldi to supply its energy balls to 161 shops nationwide. In June 2025, Sibly launched in Applegreen garages nationwide.

The company's products are also stocked across several businesses under the Musgrave's umbrella, including Centra, SuperValu and Daybreak.

Last month, the Sibly Food Co won the Emerging Category award at the Cork Chamber's Company of the Year awards. 

'Dream territory'

Highlighting the importance of Dunnes Stores as part of Sibly's ongoing expansion strategy, Mr Collins noted: "The genuine interest and support from Dunnes Stores and their people has been incredible. I used to call into ‘big Dunnes’ in 2020 when I was teaching in Cork - I would have seen it as dream territory to be stocking the store then, but now, here we are.”

Over the next five years, Sibly plans to distribute into new retail and hospitality markets, to grow its e-commerce platform, and to introduce gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.

"The experience of growing something from the ground up is just amazing," Mr Collin said, adding that the Dunnes Stores rollout reflects continued momentum for the company as it transitions from early-stage growth into a more established player within the domestic food sector.