The Food Academy Start programme is primarily targeted at start-up food businesses and Louth County Enterprise Board clients. It is centred on workshops, designed by Bord Bia and SuperValu, that will roll out in early 2014.

The intensive workshops will provide companies with long-term business supports including consumer insight, technical advice, resource planning, commercial advice and marketing development. The output has a core commercial focus whereby all participants will have the opportunity to pitch their product or idea to their local SuperValu, with a view to securing an initial local listing and the potential to build from there. A suite of follow up supports will be exclusively designed by Bord Bia under the Food Academy banner to ensure the continued development of the companies.

What is involved?

Module One: Market Background and understanding the Consumer including research data and marketing strategy and segmentation

Module Two: Technical Issues including finance, pricing, new product development, food safety/labelling, packaging and managing human resources

Module Three: Growing Sales including branding/pack design, routes to market, buyer meetings, marketing plans, promoting with confidence and public relations

How much does it cost?

The fee is €100 per business. A maximum of two people per business can be accommodated.

Please contact Peggy McGlynn on 042-9327099 or email peggy.mcglynn@leo.louthcoco.ie to reserve a place.