SuperValu, in partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), has welcomed a wave of new food and drink producers into the 2025 Food Academy Programme who will have the opportunity to be on SuperValu shelves 52 weeks of the year.
Since its inception in 2013, Food Academy has supported more than 1,000 producers, generating over €260m in sales through SuperValu stores nationwide. Food Academy products are projected to generate €30m in retail sales in 2025 alone. Household names such as The Happy Pear, Pizza Sorrento and SynerChi Kombucha are among the programme’s many success stories.
Fresh research insights* from SuperValu highlight a powerful consumer shift towards provenance, sustainability, and seasonal eating:
- Almost half (48%) actively prioritising purchasing Irish-made products.
- 62% make an effort to buy fresh produce that is in season.
These insights underline the growing importance of initiatives like Food Academy, now in its 12th year, which has become a launchpad for local food and drink entrepreneurs, equipping them with retail expertise and industry knowledge to grow sustainable businesses while meeting evolving shopper expectations.
This year’s intake reflects the breadth and creativity of Ireland’s food and drink sector, spanning everything from premium Irish honey, Lebanese breads and cheeses to seaweed-based pestos, hummus, and innovative electrolyte powders. The line-up also features alcohol-free cocktails, artisan puddings, organic produce and contemporary sweet treats. Together, the 2025 entrants showcase the innovation and variety shaping Ireland’s evolving food landscape.
Food Academy is the only accredited producer development programme, offering participants a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from TU Dublin, which recognises and accredits the skills gained through this unique programme. Participants on the programme receive tailored training in branding, marketing, finance, social media, food safety and quality, alongside one-to-one mentoring from food and retail experts, including Musgrave personnel.
Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager at SuperValu, said: “SuperValu has proudly championed the Food Academy programme for more than a decade, and it’s incredible to see the continued energy, creativity and ambition of Ireland’s food and drink producers. Each year, the standard of applications rises, making the selection process tougher than ever – a true reflection of the innovation happening across the country.
I want to warmly congratulate the new producers joining the Food Academy this year and look forward to seeing their ideas flourish into the household names of tomorrow.”
Tomás Hayes, Head of Food, Local Enterprise Office, added: “The Network of Local Enterprise Office has engaged with SuperValu over many years in the delivery of the Food Academy Programme. This programme continues to deliver food innovation and entrepreneurship. The Irish food sector is crucial to the nation’s economy, serving as its largest indigenous export sector, supporting significant employment, and bolstering rural and coastal communities. Sustainable food production is critical to our wellbeing and the support for early-stage producers through the Food Academy Programme supports this action. Many of these businesses will grow creating valuable localised employment with an ambition of growing into export markets.”
