KillowenFarmgraduate fromThriveprogramme

KILLOWEN Farm have graduated from the Thrive Project, a programme developed by Coca- Cola and Enterprise Ireland which equips innovative Irish companies in the food and drinks sector with the business insights and tools to scale-up in the global market.

First established in 2016, the Thrive Project is a six-month leadership programme created by Coca- Cola and Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with Dublin City University (DCU).

As part of the project Killowen Farm and six other companies were provided with an opportunity to undertake strategy development and commercialisation sessions at Coca- Cola headquarters in Atlanta with global executives and discuss their strategy and new product development with market experts in the company’s London office.

Workshops led by Enterprise Ireland in Dublin also enabled them to apply their learnings and create sustainable growth opportunities.

Petre Sandru, Country Manager, Coca- Cola Ireland said, ‘ The Thrive Project is all about leadership and innovation within Ireland’s food and drink industry.

‘By sharing best practices, experiences and insights over the course of the six-month programme, Coca- Cola can help ambitious Irish companies to become global brands. The feedback from participating companies to date speaks to the positive business impact of the Thrive Project.

‘I look forward to seeing the seven graduating companies expand their reach and inspire other innovative food and drink companies to expand and grow into the future.’

The graduation of the class of 2019 brings to 30 the number of entrepreneurs mentored to date. The 2020 Thrive Project will commence in May with eight new companies participating in what will be the fifth year of the programme.