*Eight South Cork-based artisan food and drink producers are showcasing
some of the best Ireland has to offer at one of the largest gatherings of
the international food industry – the biennial IFE in London.*
The participating Cork companies are fully export-ready and will be *the
only Irish representatives *at IFE 2013.* *They will exhibit at the event
under the *Taste Cork – Taste Ireland* brand*.*
On St. Patrick’s Day the eight companies had *face-to-face meetings
with** buyers
from* prestigious UK speciality food retailers including *OCADO, Budgens,
Booths, Waitrose *and *Selfridges*.
Supported by *South Cork Enterprise Board* and *Cork County Council*, the
eight exhibitors will bring a taste of Cork’s finest fare to the many
thousands of attendees at the event.
The IFE takes place every two years and is not only the *largest gathering
of the food industry in the UK*, but one of the biggest and most respected
food trade shows in the world.
Ger Power, head of finance, Cork County Council says:
*“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Cork as a centre for
world-class food and drink products. The food industry is of huge
importance to the Cork economy and supports many jobs in communities
throughout the region.*
*County Cork has always been at the forefront of the high-end food sector
in Ireland. Our farm produce, meat and seafood, together with our many
artisan, gourmet and organic producers and our award winning restaurants
have put the county on the map as a food and tourism destination. *
*Having a Cork presence at prestigious events like IFE 2013 plays a very
important role in the development of our tourism and food sectors and will
help to create sustainable jobs growth right across the whole county.”*
Every two years the IFE gives exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their
products, generate brand awareness, meet with new customers and reinforce
existing relationships. It also gives them a chance to network with
retailers, distributors, restaurateurs, food journalists and many other key
players in the global food industry.
*Sean O’Sullivan CEO South Cork Enterprise Board *says:
*“We are delighted to be able to assist these South Cork companies to
increase their visibility on the global stage. *
*The IFE is one of the key events on the global food calendar. Being on our
doorstep, in London – it is an excellent opportunity for Irish food
companies to showcase the world-class products they have to offer.*
*Regional marketing is a trend that has developed in many European
countries in recent years and it is commonplace in places like France,
Spain and Italy.*
*The Taste Cork – Taste Ireland brand allows producers to cooperate and
create a much bigger impact than would be possible working on their own. It
also helps to reinforce the image of County Cork as a centre for some of
the world’s finest food products”*
The Cork participants in this regional marketing initiative are:
*The Franciscan Well Brewery*
Founded in 1998, the Franciscan Well Brewery is based in the heart of Cork
City Centre on the site of a Franciscan Monastery dating back to 1219; this
microbrewery has combined age-old brewing traditions with modern
technology. It produces a unique range of lagers, ales, stouts and wheat
beers.
All of its products use exclusively natural ingredients and are free from
artificial additives and preservatives.
Web: www.franciscanwellbrewery.com
*Simplee*
Founded by Edel Cooney in 2011, Simplee creates a range of seasonings that
allow you to spice up your favourite meal or create sensational new dishes.
The Simplee product range includes: Chilli Sea Salt, Fresh Herb Salt,
Garlic Sea Salt, Lemon Pepper, Salt-Free All-Purpose Seasoning, Sweet and
Smokey Seasoning, Spices for Mulled Wine as well as the finest quality
black pepper corns and sea salt.
Web: www.simplee.ie
*
*
*Healy’s Honey*
This family business based in County Cork was established in the late 1970s
by beekeeper, Patrick Healy.
The company produces and distributes a range of top quality natural honey
products including a locally produced 100% Irish honey, organic honey and
Manuka honey.
Web: www.healyshoney.ie
*
*
*Kinsale Gourmet*
Kinsale Gourmet is at the cutting edge of innovative, wholesome and
convenient cuisine. The company’s award-winning chefs have created a truly
unique range of ready-meals containing one of nature’s best-kept health
secrets – sea vegetables.
These wonders of the ocean are packed with vitamins, minerals and
anti-oxidants and are an excellent source of soluble fibre, which can
improve digestion and help balance blood sugar levels.
Web: www.kinsalegourmet.ie
*Ballymaloe Country Relish*
Ballymaloe Country Relish is a family-run business established by Yasmin
Hyde, daughter of Myrtle and Ivan Allen of the internationally renowned
Ballymaloe House & Cookery School.
Making its first appearance in local shops and restaurants in the early
1990s, the original Ballymaloe relish has become one of Ireland’s favourite
condiments. Since then, the company has gone on to produce a range of
delicious relishes, sauces and dressings.
Web: www.ballymaloecountryrelish.ie
*Green Saffron*
Green Saffron is an award-winning family business based in County Cork.
Arum Kapil and his family comb India seeking out the very best spices.
They then grind and blend them to produce exceptional quality spice
products for use in home and commercial kitchens.
Web: www.greensaffron.com
*Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese*
Anne and Pat O’Farrell established this multi-award winning Irish farmhouse
cheese maker in 1984. Based on their own farm, just outside Carrigaline in
County Cork, they produce a delicious, semi-soft, wax-coated cheese.
Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese is available in three flavours: Natural,
Garlic and Herb Infused or Beech-Smoked.
Web: www.carrigalinecheese.com
*
*
*Virgina Harvest*
This family company, founded by nutritionist, Helen O’Dowd, specialises in
milled seeds including: flaxseed, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin
seeds. It also produces natural protein powders. All of these products are
ready to food such as, breakfast cereals, smoothies and juices, dips,
soups, salads and home baking.
The company also produces a range of easy-to-bake bread mix and gluten free
scone mixes under the Helen’s brand.
Their products are stocked in Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s as well as
health food stores throughout Ireland and the UK.
Web: www.virginiafoods.net