More than 300 jobs are being created in food business startups as a result of the Food Academy Start programme, a collaborative initiative between the Local Enterprise Offices, Bord Bia and SuperValu. Over the next 12 months, the food start ups will produce and supply SuperValu stores across the country.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney commented on the news at the the the Cork and Kerry Food Forum at City Hall Cork yesterday: “Ireland’s artisan and specialty food industry is playing a unique and important role in our economic recovery. This is evidenced today by the dynamic growth in food startups and food production companies.”
The Minister said that the opportunity to support and drive this growth has been leveraged by development agencies including Bord Bia and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in partnership with SuperValu, to ensure that food businesses in Ireland are equipped with the appropriate information, advice and skills to be shelf ready.
Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director, said: “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. 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.”
SuperValu was recently recognised as the best promoter of Irish products ahead of any other grocery retailer, according to the ‘Where We Shop 2014’ research study by Checkout and Ignite Research.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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