SuperValu seeks applicants for its Food Academy 2024

SuperValu has launched its Food Academy programme for this year and is seeking applications from early-stage food and drink producers to take part.

Supported by the Local Enterprise Office, the venture helps young firms in the sector with education and mentorship.

Now in its 11th year, the programme has helped more than 1,000 producers from 26 counties to date.

The progamme enables businesses to showcase their products on SuperValu shelves and collectively those firms have generated €230 million in product sales through the supermarket group, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy.

“Through this programme, producers are given an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience, while being given exposure in SuperValu stores throughout the country,” said Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director, SuperValu.

“At SuperValu, support of local and Irish producers is in our DNA, and our involvement in Food Academy further emphasises our dedication to fostering local talent and businesses within the food industry.”

“Consumer tastes and behaviours are constantly evolving, and the Food Academy is meeting these needs, being centred around nurturing innovative food and drink producers to deliver great tasting products for our shoppers and the Irish market.”

Among the businesses that have been through the academy is GoodBrew Coffee.

“The Food Academy programme has been instrumental in turning our coffee vision into reality, providing invaluable knowledge and support during the development of our initial products,” said Dee Schroeder, founder of GoodBrew Coffee.

“We’re thrilled to announce that our coffee creations will be available in SuperValu stores nationwide from April, marking a significant milestone for our business.”