Bradley: the Brand Agency has open submissions from food and beverage start-up producers nationwide for its Lion's Den competition, which has a top prize of a €10,000 digital marketing package.

The deadline for applications is 1 November, and the shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their start-up on stage in front of a panel of experts and attendees at the Food, Retail & Hospitality Expo taking place at the Sport Ireland campus in Blanchardstown on 1 December.

Andrew Bradley, managing director of Bradley: the Brand Agency said: “We have been working with food and beverage brands in Ireland for over 25 years and thoroughly enjoy discovering and elevating new businesses and innovations in this sector.

"Supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses is at the heart of what we do, so we invite start-up food and beverage producers nationally to apply online now at www.lionsden.ie."

"Our Lion’s Den overall prize this year is a digital marketing package from our agency for a digital campaign for the winner to promote their food or beverage start-up," he added.

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"Our team will support the overall winner with digital strategy, planning, creative, advertising spend and evaluation along with digital insights and mentoring throughout the process.

"We hope to build a community of Lion’s Den alumni to be an invaluable business network for all past and future participants."

This is the fifth year the Lion's Den event has been run in partnership between Bradley and Premier Publishing & Events, and 3,000 people are expected to attend the expo.

Colin Murphy, managing director of Premier Publishing & Events, said: "We are thrilled to be able to bring the Food, Retail & Hospitality Expo back to the sector again this December, as the annual forum for food retailers, food service operators and hospitality providers to enhance their competitiveness and meet with suppliers of equipment, technology, food and services offering possible solutions."

Panellists confirmed for Lion's Den so far include James Burke & Associates' James Burke, Fiid founder and 2019 winner Shane Ryan, and Six O'Clock Show chef Eoin Sheehan.

"It means a lot to us to have come and competed against some incredible brands that we watched quite closely. Winning Lion’s Den is an acknowledgment of the work we have put in and what we know we can be," Ryan said.

Photo: Lion's Den 2019 winner Shane Ryan (right).