Supermarket chain SuperValu says that 45 new Irish food producers have completed its Food Academy programme, and their products will go on sale in selected stores from today.

Its the eighth ‘class’ to graduate from Food Academy, a food business development programme between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices. Participants receive training in food safety, market research and branding, marketing, finance, sustainability, and business development.

Trading director Ciara McClafferty said: “The exposure to new customers, increased brand awareness, mentorship, and how the programme supports producers to grow sustainably, are invaluable elements highlighted by the producers.

“The programme allows us to use our experience to help small businesses through their journey. From the startup to getting their products on our shelves 52 weeks of the year.”

A survey of participants shows they believe the programme delivers value for their business, from increased brand exposure, access to new customers, mentoring and sustainable growth opportunities.

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They also stated that the top two reasons they believe consumers choose to buy Irish are to support local producers and the quality of local food and drink products.

Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy added: “The partnership approach of the Food Academy programme has created a real opportunity to cultivate sustainable small food and drink businesses by supporting them through the initial challenging phases of growth.

“They receive a combination of commercial and marketing insight from Bord Bia as well as expert advice in branding, market research and business development, which arms them with the tools to strengthen their chances of success.

“These innovative and dynamic food businesses play an integral role in Ireland’s agri-food sector both locally and nationally, so it’s really encouraging to see a new wave of startups and entrepreneurs optimistic about the future.”

The programme supports 290 Irish food and drink producers involving 1,500 jobs in local communities, according to SuperValu, including 140 female entrepreneurs, generating €170m in sales. In 2020, there was a 15% growth in SuperValu Food Academy sales, with participants earning €28m.

The 45 new graduate businesses are:

Photo (l-r): Oisín Geoghegan, SuperValu trading director Ciara McClafferty and Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy. (Pic: Keith Arkins)