Food Works Podcast

In the last of ten podcasts in this series, Darina speaks with Beth-Ann and Ken from The Lismore Food Company, one of the businesses that took part in the first-ever Food Works programme in 2013. The Lismore Food Company is a stunning luxury brand producing sweet and savoury treats in Waterford. In this episode Beth-Ann and Ken speak about their key learnings over the last 10 years and the benefit of the Food Works programme for them.

On this weeks podcast, Darina speaks with Gary Osborne, Bord Bia; Dervla McCabe, Enterprise Ireland and Ciara McDonagh, Teagasc about the critical success factors in starting a food and drink business, and the expertise that the Food Works programme can offer.

Darina is joined by Shane Ryan from Fiid, a range of plant-based ready-meals. Shane started Fiid after being unable to find a solution for quick, easy, tasty vegetarian meals that are packed with goodness. Since 2018, Fiid has secured investment and created a board; employs 9 people and is exporting to the UK, Iceland, UAE and Asia. In today’s podcast Shane shares his learnings in setting up a food business and the role Food Works played in that journey.

On the Food Works 10 at 10 podcast today, Darina is joined by Karen O’Neill founder of Beekon Batches.Karen worked in the Irish alcohol industry for 20 years and identified an opportunity for a new category within alcohol - a honey refresher. Beekon Batches is inspired by bees and a drive towards creating a positive impact and leaving a lasting legacy.  Karen shares her thoughts on the challenges of setting up a food and drink business; her journey moving from the world of big alcohol to setting up on her own and her experience in securing investment. 

Today on the Food Works 10 at 10 podcast, Darina is joined by Dave Mulligan from Craft Cocktails & Bar 1661.Craft Cocktails is an award-winning range of cocktails made by serious bartenders. Since launching in October 2020, Craft Cocktails has been awarded Best Drinks at the Irish Made Awards 2021, and Innovator of the Year award at the Food & Wine Awards 2021. And if that wasn’t enough, Bar 1661 was just named Ireland’s Bar of the Year. Dave shares his learnings in business, advice for early-stage food or drink companies and the benefits of the Food Works programme for Craft Cocktails. 

Today Darina is joined by Jacquie Marsh who was Managing Director of Butler’s Pantry for 18 years. Jacquie is a non-executive director to public, private and NGO organisations and is an active mentor and advisor to business start-ups.She is hugely passionate about the food industry and particularly about early-stage companies and promoters. We are delighted to have her wisdom and guidance on Food Works and thrilled that she could join us on our podcast series to share her insights.

In today’s podcast we hear from Simon Lynch of Wicklow Wolf who shares the story of how, along with his partner Quincey Fennelly, they have built a successful company rooted in a strong company culture which is embodied by the team. Hear about how they successfully grew the business and tackled the export market, along with some key nuggets of advice for any food or drink company starting out.

On this weeks Food Works 10 at 10 podcast, Darina is joined by Aisling Cullen of Thanks Plants. Aisling started out in the food industry by opening her own coffee shop when living in Malaysia. Returning to Ireland her passion for food, particularly plant-based meats grew and 2020 she founded Thanks Plants.  Since launching, she has grown the product range, moved production facilities and most recently secured investment with the Redesdale Fund and Enterprise Ireland.  Tune in to hear Aisling’s advice for food and drink start-ups!