The Food Coast initiative certifies businesses that grow or produce food in Donegal and service & retail sector businesses that sell Donegal made produce. The Food Coast Brand is a mark of origin and allows consumers to identify food which is produced in Donegal or businesses which sell Donegal made produce. Applications are now being accepted and interested food businesses should get in touch with the Local Enterprise Office.

Why join the Food Coast Brand?

The Food Coast brand will:

• Connect approved members with a consumer audience, who share a passion for Donegal food, and who respect the importance of this sector to Donegal’s future economic potential and this focused approach will drive consumer interest, awareness, and passion for Donegal food.
• Link your business to food connections in restaurants, retail and food service operators.
• Brand members will be listed in a number of databases currently being compiled of food producers, manufacturers, restaurants, foodservice and retail operators, as well as buyers within the county.
• Provide access to funding information and advice
• Provide new opportunities to increase your markets and market share through the network, its contacts and actions.

Criteria for Producers

• For a Food Producer to use The Food Coast brand they must demonstrate that the product is grown/sourced from within the county (this includes its land, rivers, sea and coastline).
• Products to be covered under The Food Coast brand must be listed, as the use of the brand may not apply to the total business and products produced.
• Products imported and repackaged within the county will not qualify for use of The Food Coast brand.
• Applicants must be signed up to The Food Coast Initiative, or have shown previous commitment to The Donegal Food strategy by attending previous events or programmes or worked collectively to promote Donegal Food.
• Annual Fee of €100 must be paid in advance of using the brand if approval is granted.

Criteria for Retailers and Food Service Operators

• Retailers and Food Service Operators applying to use The Food Coast brand must offer their local producers from the county the benefit of being used as ingredients, on menus, on shelf etc.
• Retailers or Food Service Operators applying to use The Food Coast brand must be able to offer the details of at least 5 local products and producers which they source from.Details of Donegal sources must be submitted at time of application, giving names and contact details. (5 is a minimum threshold and the spirit of the use of The Food Coast brand is that each establishment using the brand will do their utmost to maximise the use of Donegal produced product).
• Restaurants and hotels using The Food Coast brand must adhere to the following criteria:
• Locally sourced product should be used where available e.g. potatoes, seafood, etc.
• Producer/grower names must be detailed & highlighted on menus.
• Copies of their menus and/or sourcing statements should be submitted to Donegal’s Good Food Initiative. These documents are assessed and the establishment will be contacted should any additional information be required. In particular, evidence of origin/source information or any other information identifying support of local suppliers.
• Applicants must be signed up to The Food Coast Initiative or have shown previous commitment to Donegal’s Good Food Initiativeby attending previous events or programmes or having worked collectively to promote Donegal Food.
• Annual Fee of €100 must be paid in advance of using the brand if approval is granted.

How to apply

For an application form email info@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call the Local Enterprise Office on 074 91 60735.