Wexford Food Summit serves up tasty tips
AROUND 100 people attended the Wexford Food Summit in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on Wednesday where food producers were told that when the food economy of a county is working, the economy is working.
Kate and Ollie O’Mahoney of Kate’s Farm Shop were presented with the Food Champion award at the event for their support to local food producers ever since they opened their doors on the Duncannon Line just outside Wexford town in 2005.
Now in its fifth year, the event attracted food product producers and industry CEOs from across the county. Organised by Wexford Food Family, its CEO Paula Ronan said: ‘There was a very good representation of the food family in County Wexford from small start-up companies to larger players like Slaney Foods International, Sofrimar, Danone and Wexford Home Preserves.
‘The Food summit has a strong track record in providing practical information and inspiration to attendees in the food business.’
CEO of Enterprise Ireland Julie Sinnamon delivered the keynote speech under the theme ‘Making Innovation a Key Ingredient in Your Business’.
Ms Sinnamon said: ‘Any county where the food economy is working, the economy is working.’
She stressed the importance of having good food products and restaurants in counties like Wexford, saying this is why she chose to travel to attend the summit.
Minister Paul Kehoe was one of the dignitaries in attendance and he spoke of the need for cooperation and support from the Government for the food industry in County Wexford.
Visit Wexford Chairman Colm Neville, who owns the Riverside Park Hotel, said he plans to stock more County Wexford products, adding to the produce already used in the hotel, adding that food is hugely important for a county’s tourism industry,
Delegates at the conference heard from CEOS from three successful Wexford food businesses, all members of the Wexford Food Family, namely Danone Nutricia, Trudie’s Catering Kitchen and Drew Fox Brewing, makers of Clever Man beer.
Stephanie Moe, Small Business Manager at Bord Bia, the Irish food agency, shared vital insights and perspectives into the food industry.
All attendees enjoyed a sumptuous brunch featuring fantastic Wexford products, including buffalo mini burgers from Ballygarrett.
Ms Ronan said: ‘So many businesses contributed so much food and the hotel did a phenomenal job of hosting the event. There was a great buzz and everyone enjoyed themselves and learned a lot.’
Chairman of the Wexford Food Family and co-owner of Wexford Home Preserves, Tom Sinnott said: `The food industry is a key player in the economy of County Wexford and its continued growth is critical.’
The event was sponsored by Wexford Local Enterprise Office with supporting sponsorship from Wrights Insurance Brokers and Bank of Ireland Enniscorthy.
Wexford Food Family is a not-for-profit network of food producers in County Wexford dedicated to growing the county’s food industry.
New members are always welcome. See www. wexfordfoodfamily.com or call Paula Ronan on 086 1294859.