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Donegal Food Coast proves a recipe
for success
05.02.19
THE growing strength of
the food sector in Donegal was demonstrated clearly
again last week when almost 120 food producers,
chefs and buyers attended a packed-out event hosted
by the Donegal Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food
Initiative.
The meet the producer event in the Silver Tassie
Hotel saw food business consultant James Burke
joined on stage by Maurice McGeehan executive chef
at Airbnb and by Bib Gourmande winner Conor Mee of
the Courthouse Restaurant, Carrickmacross.
Local producers, Hugh Wilhare of Mulroy Bay Mussels
and Lee Gildea of Gildea’s Farm Butchers later
joined the panel for a discussion on how food
producers and buyers could make the most of growing
opportunities. |
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Pictured at the Food Coast Event in
The Silver Tassie were front from left: Conor Mee of
Courthouse Restaurant, Business Consultant James
Burke and Hugh Wilhare of Mulroy Bay Mussels; Back
from left: Maurice McGeehan AirBnb, Margaret
Campbell, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal; Aodh
MacSuibhne, Udaras na Gaeltachta; Brenda Hegarty,
Local Enterprise Office, Donegal, Eve Anne McCarron,
Local Enterprise Office, Donegal and Lee Gildea of
Gildea’s Farm Butchers. |
Indeed, opportunities
for collaboration and business to business
cooperation was central to the event that saw almost
30 producers from across the county showcase their
products.
“What we really want is to continue to provide
opportunities for our Donegal food businesses to get
to know each other, understand how they can benefit
each other and ultimately continue to do business
with each other. That will lead to benefits for the
local economy and jobs for the region,” said Eve
Anne McCarron, Business Advisor with Local
Enterprise Office, Donegal.
Those in attendance were urged not to be shy about
their offering, but also asked to make sure they
followed up on any contacts made on the day.
“We would appeal to those who attended to follow the
advice given on the day and keep the lines of
communication they have built with their new
contacts,” Eve Anne said.
Feedback from the event has been hugely positive,
but the many more food businesses in Donegal who
could be part of the Food Coast Network have also
been urged to join.
Eve Anne explained that the network is open to all
food businesses in Donegal, while there is also an
opportunity for businesses in the county to apply
for certification.
“The Food Coast initiative certifies Donegal food
producers and processors, as well as service and
retail sector businesses that sell Donegal made
produce. The Food Coast brand is a mark of origin
and allows consumers to identify food produced in
Donegal or businesses that sell Donegal made
produce.”
The LEO executive stressed however that applications
for 2019 are now being accepted and she appealed for
interested food businesses to get in touch with the
Local Enterprise Office.
“Anyone seeking certification needs to apply by the
29th of March, but there is a process to go through
for that to happen and with that in mind, I would
urge anyone interested to get in touch as soon as
possible.”
Those interested in finding out more should contact
Margaret Campbell at the Local Enterprise Office –
margaret.campbell@leo.donegalcoco.ie or 074 91
60735. |
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