Exciting online programme for start-up food producers

AN innovative new online food programme, from the Local Enterprise Offices, which is open to entrepreneurs across County Wexford, is set to boost the number of Irish food start-ups.

The Digital School of Food is the first of its kind in Europe and gives food entrepreneurs expert advice and guidance, from their home, office or kitchen.

The new Digital School of Food was piloted in the Dublin region in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia. Following the successful pilot, it is now available to those with an idea for a food business in County Wexford, run by the Local Enterprise Offices.

The online programme is an e-learning initiative that brings producers from idea right through to start-up and grow stages.

The programme will give food entrepreneurs an education in planning a product journey and route to market, through thinking about finance and how to grow sales, right up to expanding the business.

It includes support from experts in the field as each course has a real producer who contributes tips and advice throughout. The programme includes contributions from trade buyers in Supervalu, Musgraves and Spar along with the likes of Domini Kemp of ITSA Food Group and food producers who have been through the system.

Entrepreneurs who complete the Digital School of Food will be primed to take part in the Food Starter programme offered by the

Local Enterprise Offices and subsequently the Food Academy, which gives producers the opportunity to get their product on retail shelves, as well further supports such as management development and assistance in raising funds for their small business.

Local Enterprise Office Wexford has supported several successful food businesses through training, mentoring, financial assistance, food starter and food academy programmes. A number of food producers in the county have won national awards, cementing the county’s reputation for quality produce. Some of the food producers supported by LEO Wexford include O’Neills Foods, Wexford Home Preserves, Wild About Foods, Natural Icecream Foods, Reagan’s Organic Produce, Meylers Fish Merchants and Ballyhack Smokehouse.

Cllr Michael Sheehan, chairman of Wexford County Council, welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of cultivating new food entrepreneurs, particularly during these challenging times. ‘It is particularly significant now, with many potential entrepreneurs at home. ‘Starting a food business can be straightforward but growing it can be challenging’ said head of Enterprise Liz Hore.

‘The Digital School of Food is a game-changer for food entrepreneurs and will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to learn best practice in setting up a food business in Wexford where we have such a strong tradition for quality food producers.’