Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs in Co. Kildare: Apply for Food Academy 2025!
12th March 2025: Applications are now open for Ireland’s next generation of food and drink producers to apply for Food Academy 2025. This programme from SuperValu, in association with the Local Enterprise Office, is designed to nurture and scale innovative small to medium food and drink businesses, encouraging entrepreneurs to take their products from concept to consumer, gaining expert mentorship, retail insight, and exposure.
Supported by 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.
In 2025, the Food Academy has partnered with Technological University Dublin to deliver 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. The Food Academy is the only accredited producer development programme, leading to a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from TU Dublin.
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."
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Economic Development, Kildare County Council 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 of the new Athy Food Drink and Agri Tech Skills Incubation Hub, there is a pipeline of food innovation and entrepreneurship being supported 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.”
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 the 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 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 4th April, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Local Enterprise Office on 045 980838 or localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie
