The Midlands Regional Food and Drink Network held a highly successful event titled “Overview of Supports to Help Your Food Business Thrive” on Tuesday, September 24th, at The Village Barn, Main Street, Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath.

The event is an initiative of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway to Transition, which is co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-27, brought together food and drink businesses from across Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath to learn about the various supports available to help them grow and succeed in today’s competitive market.

The event, which was free to attend, featured a comprehensive agenda filled with insights from leading industry experts. Among the key speakers were Nicola NicPháidín, Manager, Prepared Consumer Foods & Drinks at Enterprise Ireland, Declan Coppinger, Marketing Finance Manager at Bord Bia and Bridie Corrigan Matthews, Network Director, Taste 4 Success Skillnet, Skillnet Ireland.

Sustainability, Awareness, Exporting and Food Tourism

These experts covered the four strategic pillars of the Regional Food and Drink Strategy: Sustainability, Awareness, Export Capability, and Food Tourism.

The engaging sessions delved into crucial topics such as Food Technology, Branding, Packaging, Tourism, Sustainability, Marketing, Export Supports, and Sensory Analysis.

Attendees also benefited from several presentations of bespoke programmes designed specifically for the sector and funded by Taste 4 Success Skillnet by Annie Dunne of The Art of GRATE Food and Sean Gilbride, Food Technologist & Sensory Analyst at DigiFood, who shared their expertise and perspectives on advancing food businesses in the region.

Additionally, attendees learnt from food tourism case studies, including those from Olly Nolan of Olly’s Farm, Co. Dublin, and Anne and Orla O’Carroll of Valentia Island Vermouth, Co. Kerry.

A Vibrant and Growing Midlands Food & Drink Network

Reflecting on the success of the event, Ms Bernie Everard Midlands Regional Food & Drink Network Manager, stated, “The Midlands region has a vibrant and growing network of food and drink producers who are passionate about their craft. Today’s event demonstrated the wide range of supports available to help these businesses thrive, from enhancing their sustainability practices to expanding their export capabilities. The ambition within our network is more evident than ever, and I am confident that by continuing to work together, we can strengthen the Midlands as a hub for exceptional food and drink.”

Sarah Morgan, Programme Manager, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan commended the event, which was developed in collaboration with the Midlands Regional Skills Forum and Taste 4 Success Skillnet saying, “Today’s discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry on a national level. What stood out was the quality and innovation of producers right here in the Midlands, who are setting a high standard for others to follow. The collaborative spirit shown by all participants and the invaluable knowledge shared today are testament to the strong future ahead for our regional food and drink industry.”

The event underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning for food and drink businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving market. The Midlands Regional Food and Drink Network looks forward to building on the momentum generated and continuing to support local producers in reaching new heights.

You can learn more about the Midlands Food and Drinks Network and supports available at https://www.midlandsireland.ie/taste

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway to Just Transition Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

Midlands Ireland – Supports to help your Food Business to Thrive has been held in association with the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Midlands Regional Skills Forum and Taste 4 Success Skillnet.

Taste 4 Success Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and network companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund and the European Union through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.