SuperValu has officially opened applications for the 2025 Food Academy, starting on 10 March. This initiative aims to nurture aspiring food and drink producers in Ireland by providing them with the necessary tools to elevate their businesses from concept to consumer. The programme, which has received support from SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, focuses on small to medium-sized enterprises and offers participants expert mentorship, retail insights, and vital exposure within the retail space.

Food Academy, which has been running for 12 years, serves as a launch platform for start-ups and mid-stage food and drink producers. With a marked rise in consumer interest in local, innovative products, the timing for producers to engage with this programme is deemed optimal. Historical data highlights the programme's significant impact, showing that it has collectively generated over €260 million in retail sales across its duration.

In a notable development for this year, Food Academy has partnered with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). This collaboration will allow participants to partake in a two-day training programme at the university, supplementing the ongoing educational support offered through Food Academy.

Looking ahead, products from Food Academy participants are projected to generate €30 million in retail sales in 2025, which underscores the growing consumer demand for local and sustainable Irish food. This initiative is seen as pivotal in driving economic growth and fostering innovation within Ireland's food and drink sector.

Current consumer trends indicate a heightened demand for natural, organic products and items that promote gut health, alongside vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein foods. Industry examples include All Real, which produces handmade protein bars using entirely natural ingredients, and Thanks Plants, a producer of meat alternatives derived from whole food sources. These trends reflect the dynamic pace of product development within the Irish food market.

Carmel Biggane, the Food Academy manager, remarked on the recruitment drive's significance, stating, "The Food Academy is a fantastic collaboration between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, growing stronger year after year since its inception 12 years ago. This programme provides producers with invaluable experience, and the opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves, 52 weeks of the year, and helping them build their brand."

Biggane also emphasised SuperValu's commitment to supporting local producers: "Supporting local and Irish producers is at the heart of what we do at SuperValu, and our involvement in Food Academy underscores our commitment to fostering homegrown talent in the food industry."

Aisling Cullen, the founder of Thanks Plants, expressed her appreciation for the programme's impact on her business: “Food Academy has been instrumental in shaping our business, providing us with invaluable support and opportunities for growth. Thanks to the programme, our plant-based products are now expanding nationwide with SuperValu, allowing us to reach more customers than ever before.” She added that Food Academy had enabled her business to adapt to changing consumer needs, stating, “The support from Food Academy has been invaluable, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

With this recruitment drive, SuperValu and Food Academy are poised to continue facilitating the development of innovative food and drink producers throughout Ireland, aligning with shifting consumer preferences and enhancing the local economy.