Cork puts best bib on for artisan food showcase

Take one celebrity chef, several local food producers, a handful of food start-ups, add a sprinkling of major retailers and the public to taste — and mix.

A huge artisan food forum, the first of its kind, will take place in Cork later this month as part of a new drive to boost the food sector in Cork and Kerry.

Dozens of food start-ups and local producers from across the region are set to come together for a trade conference as part of the Cork and Kerry Food Forum in Cork’s City Hall on June 30.

It will also feature a ‘meet the buyers’ session with retailers, and a series of free cookery demonstrations by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, and tasting sessions for the public.

The event is organised under a partnership between the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) in Cork and Kerry, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Bord Bia and SuperValu.

“Bringing the food producers, retailers, buyers and the public together for this showcase of artisan food will provide important support to the food sector in this region,” said Joe Burke, of the South Cork LEO.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the magnificent diversity of food made locally, from cheeses to chocolate, from bread to probiotic drinks and prepared meats.”

Dundon, the SuperValu brand ambassador, will use some of the local produce in his free cookery demonstrations which will run from 12.30pm until 3.30pm on the day.

Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Simon Coveney will also open a conference at 9am for the region’s food producers.

The trade-only conference aims to promote opportunities in food retail, and will highlight SuperValu’s new Food Academy Start programme which supports start-up food businesses, with branding, market research, marketing and financial advice.

SuperValu trading director, Eamon Howell, said they were fully committed to supporting the Irish food industry, and buy almost €2bn worth of goods from Irish suppliers every year.

A Food Sensory Experience Award, sponsored by SRL Research, and which includes a €500 bursary for the winning food company, will also be presented on the day.