SuperValu is calling on Ireland’s next generation of food and drink producers to apply for Food Academy 2025, a programme designed to nurture and scale innovative small to medium food and drink businesses. With applications opening on March 10th, aspiring entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to take their products from concept to consumer, gaining expert mentorship, retail insight, and exposure through this programme.
Supported by SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, Food Academy provides a launchpad for start-up to mid-stage food and drink producers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the competitive retail landscape. With consumer interest in homegrown, innovative products at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for new producers to take the leap and apply.
This year, the Food Academy has launched an exciting new partnership with Technological University Dublin. Through this collaboration, Food Academy participants will benefit from a two-day training programme at TU Dublin, complementing the ongoing training provided by the Food Academy, and offering participants an additional opportunity to enhance their business skills. Notably, the Food Academy is now the only accredited producer development programme, leading to a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from TU Dublin, which recognises and accredits the skills gained through this unique programme.
Food Academy has surpassed €260 million in retail sales over the past 11 years, highlighting the programme’s significant impact. In 2025, Food Academy products are projected to generate €30 million in retail sales, reflecting strong consumer demand for local, high-quality, and sustainable Irish food. By fostering local entrepreneurship, SuperValu continues to drive economic growth and innovation in Ireland’s food and drink sector.
At the same time, changing consumer habits are shaping new opportunities for food producers. The latest trends emphasise an increasing demand for non-ultra processed foods (UPF), natural and organic products, fermented foods and gut health products, as well as vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein options, exemplified by Food Academy producers, including, All Real, who specialise in Protein Bars that are handmade with 100% Natural Ingredients in Co. Kerry, and Thanks Plants who produce meatless meats out of whole food ingredients. This wave of innovation reflects the rapid speed of new product development across the Irish food sector.
Speaking about the Food Academy recruitment drive, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, said: “The Food Academy is a fantastic collaboration between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, growing stronger year after year since its inception 12 years ago. This programme provides producers with invaluable experience, and the opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves, 52 weeks of the year, and helping them build their brand. Supporting local and Irish producers is at the heart of what we do at SuperValu, and our involvement in Food Academy underscores our commitment to fostering homegrown talent in the food industry. As consumer tastes continue to evolve, the Food Academy is paving the way for innovative food and drink producers to bring great-tasting products to the Irish market. We encourage all start-ups and mid-stage producers to apply today.”
Speaking about her business and experience with Food Academy, Janet Drew, founder of Janet’s Just Delicious said, “Since joining the Food Academy at its inception we have remained committed to clean deck ingredients. Now, 12 years on, we continue to rely on the invaluable support of the Food Academy rt in helping us refine our brand amid the growing focus on ultra-processed foods. Since 2013, our products have proudly remained non-UPF, and we see even greater opportunities to showcase their purity. With our refreshed identity under Janet’s Just Delicious, we are honing our branding to better connect with what today’s consumers are looking for.”
Speaking about the impact of Food Academy on her business, Aisling Cullen, founder of Thanks Plants said, “Food Academy has been instrumental in shaping our business, providing us with invaluable support and opportunities for growth. Thanks to the programme, our plant-based products are now expanding nationwide with SuperValu, allowing us to reach more customers than ever before. Food Academy has not only helped us scale but also adapt to evolving consumer needs, ensuring we can continue to innovate and deliver products that resonate with today’s market. The support from Food Academy has been invaluable, and we are excited for what the future holds.”
Niall Harty and Ross McDowell, founders of All Real, spoke about their business and how it has been enabled by Food Academy, “All Real is proud to be the only Irish protein bar available nationwide with SuperValu and the only 100% sustainable protein bar on the market. In a highly competitive industry dominated by major brands, we got our start with Food Academy in 2017, who identified protein as a rising trend and supported our journey. Today, sustainability remains at the core of our mission, and we are dedicated to driving that message forward. We highly recommend the Food Academy to any aspiring food and drink start-ups; it has truly been a game-changer for us.”
Apply for the Food Academy today through your Local Enterprise Office.
The closing date for applications is April 4th, 2025.
