2025 Food Academy calls for new entrepreneurs from Co. Kildare
SuperValu in association with the Local Enterprise Offices, is calling on Ireland’s next generation of food and drink producers to apply for Food Academy 2025, a programme designed to nurture and scale innovative small to medium food and drink businesses. With applications opening on March 10th, aspiring entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to take their products from concept to consumer, gaining expert mentorship, retail insight, and exposure through this programme.
Supported Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, Food Academy provides a launchpad for start-up to mid-stage food and drink producers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the competitive retail landscape. With consumer interest in homegrown, innovative products at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for new producers to take the leap and apply.
This year, the Food Academy has launched an exciting new partnership with Technological University Dublin. Through this collaboration, Food Academy participants will benefit from a two-day training programme at TU Dublin, complementing the ongoing training provided by the Food Academy, and offering participants an additional opportunity to enhance their business skills. Notably, the Food Academy is now the only accredited producer development programme, leading to a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from TU Dublin, which recognises and accredits the skills gained through this unique programme.
At the same time, changing consumer habits are shaping new opportunities for food producers. The latest trends emphasise an increasing demand for non-ultra processed foods (UPF), natural and organic products, fermented foods and gut health products, as well as vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein options. This wave of innovation reflects the rapid speed of new product development across the Irish food sector.
Speaking about the Food Academy recruitment drive, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, said: “The Food Academy is a fantastic collaboration between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, growing stronger year after year since its inception 12 years ago. This programme provides producers with invaluable experience, and the opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves, 52 weeks of the year, and helping them build their brand. Supporting local and Irish producers is at the heart of what we do at SuperValu, and our involvement in Food Academy underscores our commitment to fostering homegrown talent in the food industry. As consumer tastes continue to evolve, the Food Academy is paving the way for innovative food and drink producers to bring great-tasting products to the Irish market. We encourage all start-ups and mid-stage producers to apply today."
Kildare County Council’s Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism Jacqui McNabb, said: “The Food Academy is one of many dedicated food and beverage sector supports supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office. From food start programmes through to the development the new Athy Food Drink and Agri Tech Skills Incubation Hub, there is a pipeline of food innovation and entrepreneurship beingsupported to grow and thrive in Co. Kildare, with routes to market being a crucial part of that support system.”
Speaking about their business and experience with Food Academy, Vanessa & Martin Donovan of Killadoon Milk said:
The Super Valu food academy was a fantastic learning experience for Killadoon Milk. It assisted us in establishing our non-conventional direct sales route from farm to retail market. Through the programme, we also learned how to invest in our brand which has created a distinctive brand identity in a competitive marketplace.
One of this year’s participants, Ronan Kinsella of the Dew Drop Brewhouse has just completed the training programme and is getting ready to stock the shelves. Speaking about his experience on eh programme, Ronan said: if you have a concept and want to get it out there, the Food Academy is a fantastic opportunity. The accredited training is an is great for learning not just about products, but also your business. We are really looking forward to working with Super Valu in the future.
If you are starting out and want to give your business a great chance and the opportunity to secure a listing at one of Ireland’s largest retailers, apply for the Food Academy today through your Local Enterprise Office: https://www.localenterprise.ie/FoodSupports/Food-Academy-Programme
The closing date for applications is April 4th, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Local Enterprise Office on 045 980838 or localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie
