This event was targeted at food start ups and provided tips and advice on what supports were available, and how the journey might unfold.  Three guest speakers attended, Margaret Hoctor, Kilmullen Farm, Craig Grattan Sweet Potato Pizza, Carmel Biggane SuperValu and Lorcan Hand Donnybrook Fair.  

Key learnings from Margaret Hoctor, Kilmullen Farm

• Food markets are a great platform for conducting research with the consumer.
• Producers have to be prepared to reinvent their model and learn from consumer feedback.
• Always make sure you communicate your story, and the story of your product to the consumer.

Key learnings from Craig Grattan, Sweet Potato Pizza Company

• Store managers are a crucial source of feedback.
• Harness social media to tell your story and let the customer know you are in the market.
• Don’t take short cuts, it will have an impact eventually.

Key Learnings from Carmel Biggane, SuperValu

• The Food Academy programme is targeted at producers who already have a product and have tested the feasibility of it at local level.
• Through the Food Academy programme, SuperValu meet with producers several times and provide advice and insight into succeeding in the retail space.
• The most important advice when bringing a product to market is to ensure that your product is different from competitors and that you fill a gap which is not already serviced by others.

Key Learnings from Lorcan Hand, Donnybrook Fair

• Know the market in terms of retailers and foodservice operators.
• Be clear on which customers you are targeting.
• Be proactive with the retailer by suggesting product tastings, joint social media activity, etc.