The upgraded store features new amenities, a delivery service, and eco-friendly technologies, creating 8 new jobs and enhancing the shopping experience.

The upgraded store features new deli and butcher counters, an expanded bakery, a dedicated range of prepared meals, and a fresh new look for the store’s off-license.

The store’s new Fresh Food Hall offers exclusive ranges from Freshly Prepared Meals, Italicatessen, The Happy Pear, and Donnybrook Fair. Customers can also explore a health & wellness section with tailored products. The revamped store introduces a delivery service for locals, making shopping more convenient.

Eco-friendliness was a key focus during the revamp process. The store now features dedicated eco-friendly technologies, making it approximately 35% more efficient. Store owner Tom Higgins emphasized the importance of supporting the local community and caring for the environment. “We are delighted to be launching our new look store after significant investment and significant hard work from the team,” Mr Higgins said.

The revamped store creates 8 new jobs, bringing the total number of employees to 40 in the coming months. “The new store will offer our customers premium produce from a new Fresh Food Hall to an extended grocery range and quality offering, as well as fantastic local products across the store,” Mr Higgins added. “We believe in enhancing local communities by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of the dedicated eco-friendly technologies throughout the new store.”

Higgins SuperValu has a strong commitment to supporting the local community, having contributed to various charities and teams, including Mayfield Utd Soccer Academy, Mayfield GAA Academy, Mayfield Boxing Club, and Brian Dillons GAA Academy. The €1 million investment and revamp is expected to enhance the shopping experience for customers while contributing to the local economy and job market in Mayfield, Cork city.

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This is a huge opportunity for those who have a fantastic idea for a food or beverage product but need support from experts in the industry to launch their business, the retailer says.

Food Academy, which is run by SuperValu in conjunction with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices, gives start up food and drink producers an opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves. The programme, which has been an established part of the Irish food industry for nine years now, supports 1,500 jobs nationwide.

Currently the Food Academy Programme supports 290 Irish food and drink producers. Their products are available 52 weeks of the year in their local SuperValu stores. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €200 million of produce in SuperValu since 2013.

In 2021, there was a 6 per cent growth in Food Academy sales, with participants delivering €30 million in retail sales.

Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu said: “Food Academy, run by SuperValu in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices, helps new businesses to grow and get the support they need. With Food Academy, producers are on shelves 52 weeks of the year. By having this guarantee of shelf space, food producers can generate regular income and ensure their businesses thrive.

“We have so many examples of former Food Academy producers that have gone on to fantastic success, including The Happy Pear, Pizza Sorrento and SynerChi Kombucha. If you have a great idea for a food or beverage business, then this is your opportunity to sign up for Food Academy and make your dream a reality.  At SuperValu, we are committed to supporting local Irish producers and we are ready and waiting to nurture new talent this year.”

Food and drinks producers who are in the early stages of developing their business and would like to see their products on shelves in SuperValu are strongly encouraged to apply for the programme.

The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is Friday, April 8^th 2022, with the programme commencing in September 2022. Those interested in applying can contact their Local Enterprise Office and request an application form. Participants in Food Academy receive training in food safety, market research and branding, marketing, finance, sustainability, and business development.

Padraic McElwee, chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices added: “At the Local Enterprise Offices, the Food Academy Programme is a vital part of our supports to drive entrepreneurship in the food sector. It is the final element of our food pathway that brings entrepreneurs from idea right through to shelf, from the Digital School of Food, on to Food Starter and finally Food Academy.  We have a fantastic history of food entrepreneurs and businesses in Ireland and we must continue to support this sector so if you are a new entrepreneur in the food or drinks sector we would urge you to get involved.”

Gillian Willis, Small Business Development Manager, Bord Bia said: “At Bord Bia, we focus on promoting Irish food, drink and horticulture that is produced to the highest quality standards. Food Academy provides invaluable support to participants to get their small businesses off the ground, and to reach consumers nationwide on SuperValu shelves.  This commitment as well as the support provided by Food Academy gives food producers a huge advantage when starting out. We in Bord Bia will continue to provide comprehensive market knowledge, consumer insight and branding expertise to Food Academy participants nationwide.”

As part of its continued support for its Food Academy producers, five local food producers have been chosen from the 290 suppliers to be showcased in SuperValu stores nationwide over a three-week period. Since March 3rd, the products from the five chosen producers have been on sale in 150 SuperValu stores across Ireland.

The five companies chosen for nationwide distribution are King of Kefir, Co Dublin; The Wild Wok, Co Dublin; Jaru, Co Dublin; Dan & Monstro, Co Dublin; and Kilbeggan Farm, Co Westmeath. The products selected demonstrate the quality and range of choice that the food entrepreneurs of today are creating and delivering to shoppers across the country.

Commenting on the launch of the five Guest Stars products going nationwide, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, SuperValu, said: “We believe in supporting local businesses and we are incredibly proud to have helped so many local producers over the last nine years. In the Food Academy programme, we aim to offer as much support as possible to our producers. This is evident in the nationwide launch of our five Guest Stars.

“All of them have created unique and great tasting products and this three-week period of nationwide sales will be a big boost to their growing businesses. The Food Academy programme supports the best of local sustainable food and drink products throughout Ireland. We are really looking forward to seeing some great new products from this year’s Food Academy applicants.”

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