The Food Academy! Waterford-based firm encourages start-up food companies to apply

A Waterford-based company is encouraging start-up and early-stage food and drink businesses to apply for support under the Food Academy initiative.

Backed by Supervalu, the programme is actively seeking new applications from budding start-up and early-stage food and drink producers in Waterford and across Ireland.

Now in its 11^th year, the Food Academy is a unique and tailored business development initiative for start-up and early-stage producers, which is supported by SuperValu and the network of Local Enterprise Offices.

This programme not only helps indigenous businesses but also contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the Irish food industry. Additionally, it serves as a platform for showcasing the excellence of quality Irish products and the innovative spirit of food and drink producers across the nation. 

Speaking about his business and experience with Food Academy, Mícheál Ó Cadhla of Little Thai Kitchen said: “At Little Thai Kitchen, we produce a range of chilled sauces. We follow authentic Thai recipes, from regions of central and southern Thailand, using 100% natural ingredients, Thai spices, and herbs.

"Freshly prepared in Ireland, using the best hand selected produce; our products are bursting with fragrance and flavour. Being part of the Food Academy programme has been invaluable for us, helping us to develop our products efficiently, while providing us with a wealth of knowledge in the areas of food safety and marketing.” 

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Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 producers from every county in Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme. This initiative has provided these entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative products on SuperValu shelves all year round.

Since its inception in 2013, Food Academy producers have collectively generated €230 million in product sales within SuperValu, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy. 

Commenting about the Food Academy recruitment, Ciara McClafferty, trading director at SuperValu said: “The Food Academy is a brilliant partnership between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, which continues to go from strength to strength since its inception 11 years ago. "Through this programme, producers are given an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience, while being given exposure in SuperValu stores throughout the country."

Ms McClafferty added: "Consumer tastes and behaviours are constantly evolving, and the Food Academy is meeting these needs, being centred around nurturing innovative food and drink producers to deliver great tasting products for our shoppers and the Irish market. We’d encourage all start-up and early-stage producers to apply today.”

The Food Academy recognises the importance of innovative and creative individuals within the food sector, acknowledging their role in shaping and advancing the industry.

Apply for the Food Academy today through your Local Enterprise Office.

The closing date for applications is April 5, 2024.