Small food start-ups that have received listings with local SuperValu stores are set to create some 300 jobs across the country over the next twelve months, according to Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD.
The Minister made the announcement today at the Cork and Kerry Food Forum at City Hall Cork. The jobs were created as a result of the Food Academy Start Programme, a collaborative effort between SuperValu, local enterprise offices and Bord Bia to get food producers listed in their local SuperValu outlet. As SuperValu stores are independently owned, the retailer is free to source directly from local suppliers.
“This initiative is a natural fit for SuperValu as our stores are independently owned by retailers who have developed a tailored offer for their community,” said SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher. “As a result, they can offer products that are not available in supermarket chains as our retail partners have the freedom to purchase directly from local suppliers.”
“Ireland’s artisan and specialty food industry is playing a unique and important role in our economic recovery,” said Minister Coveney, speaking at the event. “This is evidenced today by the dynamic growth in food startups and food production companies.
“The opportunity to support and drive this growth has been leveraged by development agencies including Bord Bia and local enterprise offices in partnership with SuperValu, to ensure that food businesses in Ireland are equipped with the appropriate information, advice and skills to be shelf ready.
“These planned 300 jobs are predominantly in enterprises employing fewer than five people, mostly in start-up food businesses in urban and rural areas, and will further enhance the reputation of our food sector nationally and internationally.”
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Conor William O’Brien
