10 May 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Paul Moore, Rebel Chilli will represent the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Cork City at the National Enterprise Awards 2017 which take place in the Mansion House, Dublin on May 25th. Paul will be in with a chance of winning one of 12 awards on offer and his share of the €40,000 national prize fund for his company that produces fresh chilli sauce in Cork City.
Picture: Cathal Noonan
Rebel Chilli, representing LEO Cork City, has been officially announced by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD as a finalist in this year’s National Enterprise Awards.
Organised by the Local Enterprise Offices, the 2017 National Enterprise Awards celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s top small businesses and micro-enterprises from all parts of Ireland in a showcase of enterprise, innovation and ambition at Dublin’s Mansion House on May 25th.
Announcing the finalists, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “These innovative businesses are led by people who are serious about their ambition, who are taking real risks and making real sacrifices to achieve success, and they are making a huge contribution to their local communities and to the economy at large. It is very important that we mark their achievements. I wish all of the finalists the very best of luck in the Final on the 25th May.”
The Cork City finalist, Rebel Chilli, was set up in 2014 and has its roots in the Farmers Markets of Cork, where Paul and his brother began selling their chilli sauces on a part-time basis. Paul took over from his brother and decided to go full-time with the company in 2014.
Paul has achieved listings in Supervalu, Dunnes Stores. He has also been exporting to Dubai and Abu Dhabi since 2016. Exports to the UK began in mid-2016,
Last year’s winner, Applied Concepts in Birr, manufacture and export blast machines used in construction and renovation projects in countries such as Spain, Denmark and Chile.
Previous winners nationally have also included Irish Yoghurts, Innovate, Grouse Recording Studios, Simtech Aviation, MyBio and Design Pro.
The winners of this year’s National Enterprise Awards will be announced at the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, May 25th. Twelve Awards will be presented including eight Regional Awards. The overall winner will receive €10,000 to invest in their business.
