TASTE KERRY: promoting a unique food culture

‘TASTE KERRY’ is a brand committed to promoting the wholefood industry in Kerry. It’s a concept that has long been with us and ‘supporting local’ has never been more important given the global crisis we face. The Chairperson of Taste Kerry, John Harty, said during the last economic recession in 2008 people rallied to support local food suppliers. He believes they will do this again as we try to work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s about knowing and making that effort to support local. We’ve seen that people can do this in the past and we’re hoping they will again. Now more than ever it’s important so that we can preserve our food culture in Kerry,” John said.

John explained that there are two key levels of involvement when it comes to local food: people who like to grow their own vegetables at home, and people who like to shop for locally produced food and drink items in their local supermarkets and Farmers’ Markets.

Even though the pandemic has decimated the local tourism and hospitality market for the foreseeable future, food tourism remains one of the county’s greatest assets having grown exponentially in recent years.

The abundance of various food and drink producers: distillers, breweries, bakers, agriculture, chocolatiers and fisheries is quite remarkable when viewed in its entirety.

“Tourists want the local food experience that we have here in Kerry. But all these sectors are really struggling at the moment, which is why we need, as a community, to support them. It’s not a chore to do it. It’s actually a pleasurable experience to visit your local Farmers’ Market and buy something fresh and local,” John added.

He outlined how ‘ the chain of local food’ producers is interconnected with each supplier invariably buying from other local suppliers. So by buying local we’re helping to keep the links in this chain strong.

“The local guy, supports the local guy. That’s how it works. If you buy jam from the local jam maker, chances are he or she will have bought products from another local business. This keeps money in the economy and in the county where it’s needed. We can all play a part in this process by making a little effort,” John concluded.