SuperValu has launched its Taste of Local initiative which showcases Irish artisan food and drink producers in stores across the country.
The initiative showcases producers that have gone through the retailer’s Food Academy programme, as well as highlighting hyperlocal products that are unique to local stores.
The Food Academy, delivered in conjunction with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices, gives early-stage food and drink producers an opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves.
Currently, the Food Academy programme supports 320 Irish food and drink producers. According to SuperValu, Food Academy producers achieved sales with the multiple of over €30m and 6% growth in the past year.
Carmel Biggane, Food Academy manager at SuperValu, commented: “Food Academy producers are delivering consistently high quality, great tasting products that are at the cutting edge of innovation. Producers are very finely tuned to the needs of today’s consumer and embody a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit to deliver exciting brands for the future.
In Association with
“We are delighted to launch another 33 new producers from this year’s academy programme, which will be showcased in Taste of Local. This year's new entrants have a wide range of products from plant-based offerings, organic produce, healthy convenience, sustainably foraged and harvested, as well as an innovative non-alcoholic drink.
“Uniquely, our Food Academy programme supports producers 52 weeks of the year, so shoppers will be able to buy these great tasting products throughout the year, making a big difference to these small local producers.”
Tara McCarthy, chief executive at Bord Bia, added: “We believe that in a demanding trading environment growing companies’ skills and capabilities in consumer understanding, branding and business development provides them with a strong foundation.”
The launch of Taste of Local comes ahead of Guaranteed Irish’s Food Month, which begins in June.
TASTE OF LOCAL SHOWCASE
Blasta Delights Áine Ní Bhraoin Ginger Syrup Kerry
Dingle Sea Salt Tom Leach / Rory McKeown Sea Salt Kerry
OTOFU Méabh Mooney Tofu Cork
Skellig Jam Richie Greene Jams & Marmalades Kerry
Malay Kitchen Norza Daud Thai Paste & Sauce Cork
The Good Dairy Company Catherine Good Ice-cream Cork
Kerry Kefir Mary-Thea Brosnan Kefir Kerry
Zingibeer Kevin & Rachel Byrne Ginger Beer Dublin
What the Faux James Fayer/ Alan Fynes Vegan Meat Dublin
The Raw Juice Company Andy Pratt Raw Juices Dublin
Tasty Kitchen Sia Browne Curry Pastes Donegal
Flying Saucery Fiona Sweeney Curry Sauces Wicklow
Nibbed Lisa Kleiner Raw Cacao Wicklow
Good Brew Jeff & Dee Schroeder Cold Brew Coffee Dublin
Ellie’s Kitchen Ellie Kisyombe African Hot Sauces Dublin
Little Red’s Sauce Company Shane Doherty Sauces Dublin
Dublin Hills Goats Cheese Tim McGlynn Goats Cheese Dublin
OpenHive Honey Kyle Petrie Raw Honey Dublin
Fire and 5th Mary Sheahan Non-Alcoholic Spirit Dublin
RootUp Friederike Eimer Microgreens Louth
Mary-Ellen's Meadow Rose Carolan Daveluy Sparkling Drinks Cavan
The Wonderful Barn Bernard Cronin Organic Garlic Kildare
Green Family Farm Kenneth Greene Frittatas Westmeath
Sodalicious Jane Conlon Soda Bread Limerick
Kinsale Honey House Séad Ní Mhaoilmhia Raw Honey Cork
Killua Castle Krause Family Venison Meat Products Meath
Emilie’s Brian Spain Bakery Items Kerry
Fully Free Ireland Suzanne Tubridy and Gabor Domotor Vegan Cheese Dublin
IASC Seafood Bar Dungarvan Caitlin Ui Aodha Seafood pie, chowder & sauce Waterford
The Boxty House Jack Gallagher Filled boxty Dublin
ProBox James Gibney RTD smoothies Dublin
Killinane Dairy Farm Janet Miley O’ Neill Ice cream Kildare
Marvellous Gastronomy Alan Davies Sauces Kerry
