The emphasis on sourcing food locally looks set to continue to grow as consumers gain an increasing awareness of the need to go local and question where their food is coming from. Taste Kilkenny producers have developed a food and drink directory to create awareness and assist chefs, food establishments and artisan retail outlets to easily source local produce.  With a pool of artisan producers and a wealth of culinary talents across the county, it is an ideal opportunity to adopt the ethos of offering fresh, locally source produce and telling customers all about it.

This initiative was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine under the CEDRA Agri-Food Tourism fund and Kilkenny County Council in association with the Local Enterprise Office and Kilkenny Tourism.  It builds on what #tastekilkenny has already developed in terms of sales and promotional material, to showcase Kilkenny’s food offerings. This directory will act as a sales and marketing tool to showcase the food and drink offering to chefs, food establishments and artisan retail outlets in Kilkenny and further afield.

#tastekilkenny was established by the Local Enterprise Office in 2014 as a collective marketing initiative for Kilkenny based food & drink producers. It has now evolved to showcase everything that the Kilkenny food scene has to offer, from producers to cafés, restaurants and the growing gastro pub scene. #tastekilkenny aims to share the Kilkenny food culture with local communities and visitors for a memorable food experience which evokes a unique sense of place, culture and hospitality.

In recent years Kilkenny has been building a strong reputation as a foodie destination.  With untapped potential to create stronger linkages in the marketplace and a strong base of food champions, Kilkenny is perfectly positioned to write the next chapter of its food story. Food has always been a crucial element of the tourism experience but in recent years it has been truly recognized for the significant part it plays in the overall destination marketing. The local producers come from a wide variety of backgrounds – some well established; other emerging players and they all have different roles in championing the Irish food  and drink offering.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr. David FitzGerald, Kilkenny County Council said “Kilkenny food producers are well placed to compete with the best national and international products. The directory is an invaluable tool for chefs, buyers and food industry professionals who can source Kilkenny’s unique range of niche food and drink when shopping for new and innovative culinary ideas. I wish all involved in this great publication the very best.”

As part of Kilkenny County Council’s ambition to make Kilkenny an international food destination, the #tastekilkenny brand will be marketed and promoted through Kilkenny Tourism on behalf of its members.  Members are not only contributing through their own individual roles and businesses, but working together and in collaboration with others to progress Kilkenny’s immense food potential. There has never been a better time for foodies to benefit from the raised exposure associated with Kilkenny Tourism.  Membership now automatically includes listing on both the www.visitkilkenny.ie and the new www.tastekilkenny.ie websites.