Johnstown Castle supports local food producers
WITH the reopening of many businesses in the hospitality sector, the Wexford Food Family is encouraging companies to support local, homegrown food and drink producers.
And its Official Supporters Programme recognises those who are already making the effort to source their products from producers in the county.
Each food service business that sources products from a minimum of six Wexford Food Family members, and each retailer sourcing from a minimum of 10, receives the Official Supporters Eat Wexford plaque to display in their premises. This will help to market their business to consumers as a destination to buy or consume local food and drink.
These Official Supporter retailers and food service businesses are also listed on www.wexfordfoodfamily.com/officialsupporters and given a smart graphic device to use on their menus and other marketing material, on and offline – a powerful, free marketing tool.
They are also included in social media marketing campaigns.
Sara Doran of the Wexford Food Family said, ‘We are calling on all food retailers and food service businesses to source more food locally and to apply to the Official Supporters programme – this can make a huge difference to our county. It also means that visitors are given the best experience of our food and drink,’ she said.
‘ The Wexford Food Family is helping businesses to meet that demand, which will result in more sales for retailers and food services businesses and in helping to sustain our local food economy and the families that depend on it.’
The online directory of producers gives details of what is being produced locally by members of the Wexford Food Family and how to contact and order from each producer.
Following a presentation of a plaque to Johnstown Castle, Ms Doran said the Wexford public could also play a part in rebooting the local economy as restrictions continue to lift.
‘We are also calling on the people of Wexford to buy from those outlets that display the Eat Wexford plaque, knowing that they can enjoy the best of local food there. Every €100 spent locally on local products is worth €500 to the local economy.
‘Imagine what our county would be like if we all chose to take this habit up?’
She said the Wexford Food Family is ‘dedicated’ to growing the food industry in Co Wexford by helping to grow the business of its food producer members.
‘We do this through intelligence, tools, and trade-focused promotion.
‘Our aim is to help our members to increase sales, product quality and operational efficiency.’
Ms Doran also acknowledged the support the Wexford Food Family has had from Liz Hore and the team in the Local Enterprise Office, Wexford.
‘ Thank you for supporting Wexford food producers and helping to make our food industry more sustainable,’ she said.