SuperValu are calling on new and budding local Irish food and drink producers to join this year’s Food Academy Programme. This is a huge opportunity for those who have a fantastic idea for a food or beverage product but need support from experts in the industry to launch their business.
“Food Academy, run by SuperValu in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices, helps new businesses to grow and get the support they need,” revealed Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu. “With Food Academy, producers are on shelves 52 weeks of the year. By having this guarantee of shelf space, food producers can generate regular income and ensure their businesses thrive.”
The SuperValu MD noted how a wealth of former Food Academy producers have gone on to fantastic success, including The Happy Pear, Pizza Sorrento and SynerChi Kombucha. “If you have a great idea for a food or beverage business, then this is your opportunity to sign up for Food Academy and make your dream a reality,” he said. “At SuperValu, we are committed to supporting local Irish producers and we are ready and waiting to nurture new talent this year.”
The programme, which has been an established part of the Irish food industry for nine years now, supports 1,500 jobs nationwide.
Currently the Food Academy Programme supports 290 Irish food and drink producers, whose products are available all year in their local SuperValu stores. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €200m of produce in SuperValu since 2013. 2021 saw a 6% growth in Food Academy sales, with participants delivering €30m in retail sales.
“At the Local Enterprise Offices, the Food Academy Programme is a vital part of our supports to drive entrepreneurship in the food sector,” noted Padraic McElwee, Chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices. “It is the final element of our food pathway that brings entrepreneurs from idea right through to shelf, from the Digital School of Food, on to Food Starter and finally Food Academy. We have a fantastic history of food entrepreneurs and businesses in Ireland and we must continue to support this sector so if you are a new entrepreneur in the food or drinks sector we would urge you to get involved.”
Gillian Willis, Small Business Development Manager, Bord Bia, said: “Food Academy provides invaluable support to participants to get their small businesses off the ground, and to reach consumers nationwide on SuperValu shelves. This commitment, as well as the support provided by Food Academy, gives food producers a huge advantage when starting out. We in Bord Bia will continue to provide comprehensive market knowledge, consumer insight and branding expertise to Food Academy participants nationwide.”
As part of SuperValu’s continued support for its Food Academy producers, five local food producers were chosen from the 290 suppliers to be showcased in SuperValu stores nationwide over a three-week period in March: King of Kefir, Co. Dublin; The Wild Wok, Co. Dublin; Jaru, Co. Dublin; Dan & Monstro, Co. Dublin; and Kilbeggan Farm, Co. Westmeath. Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, SuperValu, said that these five ‘guest stars’ have created “unique and great tasting products” and the three-week period of nationwide sales will prove “a big boost to their growing businesses”.
For more information, visit: https://supervalu.ie/real-people/food-academy-programme/apply
