SuperValu backing of food start-ups to create 300 jobs
These small food companies are participating in the Food Academy Start programme, a collaborative initiative between the Local Enterprise Offices, Bord Bia and SuperValu. Participants in the project will see their goods go on sale in 133 SuperValu stores nationwide this month.
SuperValu managing director, Martin Kelleher, said: “International research shows that by shopping in locally owned stores, like SuperValu, three times more money is invested back into the local economy and the Food Academy programme is a perfect example of this.
“Our independent retail model, whereby stores are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, means retailers can purchase directly from local suppliers.”
Mr Kelleher highlighted the benefits to the local economy, adding that SuperValu shoppers get to enjoy locally produced artisan products that are not available in other supermarkets.
“We are delighted to offer 15 of the Food Academy participants the opportunity to showcase their products at the National Ploughing Championships,” added Mr Kelleher. “This high-profile opportunity will help them raise awareness of their brands, whilst also getting priceless consumer feedback. We look forward to helping them to develop their businesses, along with the 70 other Food Academy participants, as we work in partnership with them into the future.”
The 15 Irish-based food start-ups which SuperValu will showcase at the Ploughing Championships will include the following: Bitesize; Boutique Bake; De Roiste Puddings; Drummully Boxty; Edelicious; Hannah’s Secret; Honest; Improper Butter; Kookee; Moran’s Homestore Products; Nobo gluten-free icecream; Patels; Silver Darlings; The Happy Pearl; and Wild About.
The SuperValu boss said the chain can create this sales opportunity for local food producers thanks to its community retailer model, whereby stores are independently owned. This allows store owners to source directly from local suppliers, meaning that they can stock locally produced artisan foods that are not available in other supermarkets.
Jason Colbert, managing director of Midleton, Co Cork-based Bitesize, added: “Working with local SuperValu retailers has given me a route to market which otherwise would not have been open to me. My relationship with SuperValu has provided me with key skills essential to helping small food businesses like mine get off the ground and grow sustainably. To have the opportunity to work with and supply the SuperValu stores in my area is great for my business and as a result I’ll be employing up to six more staff members to meet these new orders.”
