Website aims to promote local food movement

A NEW food movement has launched a website to help connect consumers with local food producers.

Over 25 award-winning artisan food producers from the Cork area have united to take part in the new venture, localmarkets.ie, which is designed to support local produce and local companies

The service sources the finest products, from bakery to cheese to fish, meats, speciality foods and gourmet meals from producers in your local area, and arranges to have the goods delivered to your door within 48 hours.

It also provides information about the producers so consumers can learn where they come from and what they stand for.

Localmarkets.ie innovator Rory McCann said he hopes the initiative will encourage people in Ireland not only to reconnect with their local producers, but also to get cooking in their own homes.

“We’re not a supermarket. We’re a movement and we want people to join the movement and celebrate and enjoy locally produced food,” he said.

“There has been a lot of talk recently about reducing food miles and this is an easy way for consumers to incorporate that practice into their lives without having to give up their favourite fresh, seasonal and tasty food and drink.”

The website has also been shortlisted by the Irish Web Awards as one of Ireland’s most innovative websites.

Some 200 guests joined Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Michael O’Connell, Fine Gael’s Simon Coveney and author of the history of the English Market, Donal O Drisceoil, for the launch of localmarkets.ie in the historic city centre market.

They were all treated to gourmet dishes, produce and wines from producers involved in the venture.