SuperValu seeks innovative food and drinks producers to join Food Academy and take their businesses to the next level

Applications are now open for the next intake of Food Academy, the business support programme for innovative food and drink producers, run by SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices.

SuperValu are keen to shine a light on Irish-made produce, and through Food Academy, small businesses can grow from start up or early stage to getting their products on shelf.

Food and drinks producers, who are in the early stages of developing their business and would like to see their products on shelves in SuperValu are strongly encouraged to apply for the programme. Applications are now open. The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is Friday, April 7th 2023, with the programme commencing in September 2023. Those interested in applying can find further details on www.localenterprise.ie/FoodSupports/Food-Academy-Programme.

Many of those who have participated in Food Academy over the years have enjoyed huge success. Most recently, this includes five Irish producers from Food Academy who have been selected by SuperValu to be stocked in stores nationwide for three weeks, from March 2nd.

These five products will be included as part of the SuperValu Taste of Local initiative, which showcases the producers who have gone through the Food Academy Programme as well as highlighting hyperlocal products that are unique to local stores. The Taste of Local initiative is a key part of SuperValu’s commitment to supporting and developing small Irish food and drink producers.

The five products selected for nationwide distribution in over 150 SuperValu stores from March 2nd to 22nd are:

  • Chicory Root Syrup from Homespun, Co. Dublin
  • Belgian Chocolate Chip Cookies from West Cork Biscuits, Co. Cork
  • Curry Paste from Sing Li Foods, Co. Louth
  • Ginger Beer from Zingibeer, Co. Dublin
  • Original Gravy from Porter & Nash, Co. Dublin

Speaking about the national launch of the five Guest Stars’ products, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager said: “SuperValu are incredibly proud to support growing Irish food and drink producers, it is an important part of our company ethos, and we are delighted that the five producers’ innovative and delicious products will now be available to purchase nationwide over the coming weeks.

“Starting your own business can be an overwhelming experience and the Food Academy programme provides the producers with the tools they need to thrive and grow their businesses to their fullest potential. Each of the producers have such inspiring stories and SuperValu is thrilled to be on this journey with them.”

Gillian Willis, Bord Bia Food and Beverages Team, said: “I’d like to congratulate the five producers on securing this spotlight opportunity across SuperValu stores. Bord Bia is proud to partner with the Local Enterprise Office and SuperValu to welcome a new group of applicants into Food Academy this March. As well as the opportunity to be listed by SuperValu,  participation in Food Academy gives Irish food and drink entrepreneurs access to a valuable suite of supports including mentoring, workshops and market insights. I encourage all new and early stage food, drink and horticulture producers to consider applying.”

Tomas Hayes, Head of Food & Beverage, Local Enterprise Offices said: “It is fantastic to see these clients making it to the shelves of SuperValu stores across the country.  For many clients who come through the Food Academy, it is the culmination of a long journey with the LEOs which begins with our Digital School of Food and Food Starter programmes before they graduate to Food Academy. The LEOs continue to support these businesses in growing jobs and turnover. We have amazing food and beverage producers around the country with great ideas but they also need to know how to run a business. Food Academy produces best in class year on year of the best products. These five Guest Stars for 2023 epitomise that effort and we look forward to working with them to help their businesses grow in the coming years.” 

The Food Academy programme is a unique food business development programme between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices. The programme supports Irish producers in navigating the food business industry, teaching vital skills and knowledge including branding, digital marketing, driving sales, sustainability, food safety and labelling and one-to-one mentoring.

Established in 2013, Food Academy supports over 1,500 jobs across Ireland, with participants’ products available in stores all year round and the Food Academy team always on hand to provide advice to producers. Some 270 producers are on the programme, and 98% feel that Food Academy has been “very beneficial” to developing their business.

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