Irish firms make a pitch for golf’s snacking market

Kevin Markham looks at four young food companies with a sweet spot for golf.

It is hard to look back on our recent recession with much fondness but it did shine a light on our entrepreneurial spirit. Despite the harshest of times, many people took the plunge to set up their own business. In

particular, the growth of Irish food and drink companies has exploded as entrepreneurs identify and target specific niches, both in Ireland and abroad. One of the benchmarks is Vit-Hit, the Irish healthy drinks company, started by Gary Lavin in 1999. Today, the company sells over 17 million bottles per year and exports to eight countries. Not surprisingly, you’ll find Vit-Hit in most golf club pro shops.