Almost three quarters (72%) of Irish people feel a great sense of loyalty to local food products, according to a survey carried out by SuperValu.
This sentiment is timely, with the launch of this year’s Food Academy producers, emphasising the connection that Irish consumers have with locally sourced food.
Twenty-one Food Academy producers will be debuting their products on the shelves of their local SuperValu outlets this year, as part of the initiative.
The Food Academy programme is a tailored business initiative for start-up and early-stage food and drink producers, developed in collaboration with SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office 11 years ago.
Since its inception, more than 1,000 producers from all across Ireland have successfully completed the programme.
Food Academy producers have sold a combined €230 million worth of products in SuperValu since 2013, supporting 1,500 jobs.
The programme aims to support and promote local food and drink producers across the country, boosting local economies and championing Irish producers.
‘Talent And Innovation’
Speaking about the launch of the 2024 programme, the trading director at SuperValu, Ciara McClafferty, said, “At SuperValu, we have supported the Food Academy programme for over a decade now, and it is wonderful to see that talent and innovation continues to grow in this industry.
“We are always blown away by the level of applications each year, and choosing the successful producers to come onto the programme is never an easy task – which, in itself, is a testament to the calibre of producers in our country.
“I would like to congratulate our 21 successful producers who are beginning their journey with the Food Academy this year.”
“Being chosen for the Food Academy programme has truly been a career-defining moment for me,” said Jennifer Simpson, a Food Academy producer and the founder of Nancy’s Fancies, based in Co. Tipperary.
“Seeing Nancy’s Fancies on my local SuperValu shelves for the first time will be an unforgettable moment.”
Sami Schmidt, the founder of Outdoors Herbalist, added, “I participated in Food Academy to deepen my understanding of the Irish retail sector.
“As a Venezuelan native, receiving guidance from experts in the Irish retail industry is invaluable for both myself and my business.”
The founder of Seafood Suppers, Niall Sabongi, said, “As a Dublin-based chef and a long-time advocate of local, ethical and sustainable seafood, my passion has always been to explore the flavours of the sea.
“Our aim is to make quality, sustainable Irish seafood a staple in households nationwide, and partnering with Food Academy has been pivotal in providing the skills and guidance to commence our journey into the retail sector.”
Read More: SuperValu And GIY Research Reveals 1/3 Of Irish Families Growing Food At Home
