Valentia Island Vermouth Anna and Orla Snook O'Carroll.

SUPER NEWS: Sir Maurice O'Connell holding bottles from The Liberator Irish Whiskey brand, which are now on sale in SuperValu.

Two new Kerry producers, Killarney's Liberator Irish Whiskey and Valentia Island Vermouth, are now on sale in SuperValu stores after completing the Food Academy programme.

45 new Irish food producers completed the programme which is a unique food business development programme between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices and now in its eight year.

Participants in the programme receive training in food safety, market research and branding, marketing, finance, sustainability, and business development.

New research conducted by SuperValu for the launch of Food Academy found that Irish food and drinks start-ups are optimistic about their future growth, with 93% indicating they expect revenue growth in 2021. Despite the various challenges posed for the sector by the COVID-19 pandemic, 71% of producers plan to expand their workforce in 2021.

“We believe in local business and are proud to continue to support local producers in Kerry,"
Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director, SuperValu, said. "In collaboration with Bord Bia and Local Enterprise Offices, the Food Academy allows us to help new businesses grow and get the support they need. The survey shows that 98% of participants found the programme beneficial. The exposure to new customers, increased brand awareness, mentorship, and how the programme supports producers to grow sustainably, are invaluable elements highlighted by the producers. The programme allows us to use our experience to help small businesses through their journey. From the start up to getting their products on our shelves 52 weeks of the year.”