The Donegal Food Strategy sets outs an ambitious vision for food within Donegal and seeks to make Donegal a county famous for food and recognised as a pioneering region for its approach to fostering and growing new and existing food businesses. This new Programme is aimed at People who are thinking of starting their own artisan / food production business or in the early stages of start-up.
A study by the New Economics Foundation in London found that every €10 spent with a local food business is worth €25 to the local economy which further supports the rationale for creating a vibrant local food economy. A Taste Council of Ireland Report suggests that during the next 10 years, 650 new food entrepreneurs could be established resulting in the creation of 6,500 new jobs.
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| Donegal Chef Gary O'Hanlon is County Donegal's Food Ambassador |
Gary O'Hanlon, Executive Chef at Viewmount House is now filling the role as Food Ambassador for the Donegal Food Strategy and he emphasises the importance and opportunities there are in sourcing and using local quality produce.
On successful completion of the programme participants should have a sound knowledge of the rudiments of food business start-up, including food safety and food technology and be in a position to go about their start-up in an effective way. Participants will hear about the structure of the programme from the trainers as well as the experiences of local artisan food businesses.
On successful completion of the programme participants should have a sound knowledge of the rudiments of food business start-up, including food safety and food technology and be in a position to go about their start-up in an effective way. Participants will hear about the structure of the programme from the trainers as well as the experiences of local artisan food businesses.
The Content of the Programme includes:
Workshop 1: Selecting and Researching Ideas
Workshop 2: New Product Development
Workshop 3: Legislation and Food Safety
Workshop 4: Food Technology
Workshop 5: Marketing and Branding
Workshop 6: Sales Growth
Workshop 7: Effective Food Packaging
Workshop 8: Product Costing, Pricing & Finance
Workshop 9: Food Distribution
Workshop 10: Business and Marketing Plan
In addition to the workshop element of the programme each participant will receive up to ten hours of one-to-one mentoring delivered in 2 hour sessions. It is intended that the programme will be delivered one evening a week for ten consecutive weeks with a total workshop time of 30 hours.
Workshop 1: Selecting and Researching Ideas
Workshop 2: New Product Development
Workshop 3: Legislation and Food Safety
Workshop 4: Food Technology
Workshop 5: Marketing and Branding
Workshop 6: Sales Growth
Workshop 7: Effective Food Packaging
Workshop 8: Product Costing, Pricing & Finance
Workshop 9: Food Distribution
Workshop 10: Business and Marketing Plan
In addition to the workshop element of the programme each participant will receive up to ten hours of one-to-one mentoring delivered in 2 hour sessions. It is intended that the programme will be delivered one evening a week for ten consecutive weeks with a total workshop time of 30 hours.
Support
Where appropriate, participants on the programme will be able to apply for a range of Donegal County Enterprise Board supports in areas such as food safety, food technology, shelf life optimisation, product packaging and food labelling to assist them with the commercial realisation of their products.
To register or for further information phone 074 9160735
Cost & Contact Details
The Start Your Own Artisan Food Production Business Programme begins in November 2012 & the Cost is €120 which is also payable in instalments.
The Information Road Shows will be held at:
Letterkenny, Donegal County Enterprise Offices on Wednesday 17th Oct at 7pm
Donegal Town, Enterprise Centre on Thursday 18th Oct at 7pm
Moville, Community Chef Premises on Tuesday 23rd Oct at 7pm
Donegal Town, Enterprise Centre on Thursday 18th Oct at 7pm
Moville, Community Chef Premises on Tuesday 23rd Oct at 7pm
Or email Mairead at mmcmullin@donegalenterprise.ie